Explained: Why Is Pakistan Sending 17 Lakhs Afghans Back?

Pakistan has asked nearly two million Afghan people to leave the country. Many of these Afghans came to Pakistan to escape war and problems in their own country, Afghanistan. 

On October 3rd, Pakistan’s government said that all people who don’t have legal papers should leave within 28 days or they will be forced out. The last day for them to leave is today (November 1).

So, why is Pakistan doing this? There are a few reasons. One is that Pakistan has seen more terrorist attacks recently. Some of these attacks were carried out by people from Afghanistan. Because of this, Pakistan thinks sending them back will make the country safer. 

Another reason is the economy. Pakistan has already declared itself a bankrupt country, its economy is not doing well. Jobs are few, and the cost of things like food is going up. 

Many people in Pakistan believe that Afghans are taking their jobs, so sending them back might improve the situation.

This decision is not being well received. The Taliban, who now run Afghanistan, have said they don’t like what Pakistan is doing. They believe Afghan people are not the reason for Pakistan’s problems. 

Human rights groups also say this is a bad move. These groups say forcing people to leave can lead to big human rights issues. Many of these Afghans are already in bad situations—they may be activists, journalists, or government workers who could face danger if they go back to Afghanistan.

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In response to the criticism, Pakistan says it’s following international rules and it will go ahead with its plan. They have already started building centers to hold people before they are sent back to Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s move to send back Afghan people is due to both security concerns and economic problems. However, this decision is causing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This move is being criticized for the human rights problems it could create.