Pakistan's Anti-Immigration Crackdown Risks Radicalizing Deported Afghans, Warn Analysts
Over 250,000 Afghans expelled amid heightened security tensions, returning to deplorable conditions and facing potential radicalization as Islamabad fails to secure agreement with Kabul on orderly deportations.
- Pakistan's crackdown on undocumented migrants has led to the deportation of over 250,000 Afghans who are mostly returning to dire conditions in their home country, potentially fueling resentment and radicalization.
- Many Afghans are being forced to return with few or no belongings and are subjected to harsh conditions upon arrival, which could increase hatred towards Pakistan and lead to their radicalization.
- Militancy analyst Zahid Hussain argues that Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Kabul should have reached an agreement to avoid backlash; instead, Pakistan is detaining and crowding Afghans in holding centers.
- Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar justified the deportations due to an increase in violence in Pakistan, allegedly linked to militants harbored by the Taliban.
- Organizations such as U.N. agencies and aid groups have voiced concerns that many of those fleeing Pakistan to avoid arrest and deportation have little or no connection to Afghanistan and face difficulties due to lack of basic needs and language barriers upon return.
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