Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Prime Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has criticized federal government policy to Afghan refugees, stating that they should not be expelled by Pakistan’s force. “The policy of the center on Afghan refugees is defective … The approach adopted in the past violated human rights,” he said during a press conference in Peshawar on Sunday.
His comments arrive weeks after the Federal Government established a deadline of March 31 for “illegal foreigners” and the headlines of Afghan citizens cards to leave Pakistan voluntarily. The measure is part of an ongoing repatriation campaign launched in 2023, mainly aimed at undocumented Afghan citizens.
Islamabad has blamed Afghan migrants for security concerns, citing their alleged participation in militant activities and crimes. However, Gandapur argued that those without a criminal record should be able to stay and granted Pakistani citizenship.
“There should be no problems if Afghans without criminal history are willing to stay in Pakistan … I have always raised my voice for Afghans who legally fulfill,” he said.
KP organizes the largest Afghan refugee population in Pakistan, with Peshawar accommodating the highest number. Many refugees have been living in the province for decades, directing business or working in several sectors.
According to the United Nations, more than 800,000 Afghas have returned to Afghanistan since Pakistan began their repatriation efforts. In general, the country houses 2.8 million Afghan refugees, including 2.1 million documented residents.
When addressing the increase in terrorism, Gandapur questioned the security management of the federal government, claiming that the situation was better under former Prime Minister Imran Khan. “When the State focused on crushing a party, it neglected its own responsibilities, which led to an increase in terrorism,” he said.
The KP Prime Minister highlighted the financial limitations of the province, blaming the center for not providing adequate resources. “The police have not been given new weapons in the last 10 years,” he said, despite their efforts to counteract terrorist threats on the borders of the province.
Gandapur also criticized delays in the approval of terms of reference (Tor) for negotiations with Afghanistan about cross -border terrorism. He reiterated his demand for KP’s legitimate participation under the Prize of the National Finance Commission (NFC), warning the protests if the funds were not assigned.
“If they are out of funds, they must sit with us and find a solution,” he urged, adding that the increase in police salaries and development projects depends on the province that receives due participation.
