Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai is calling on the government to reconsider its policy regarding the eviction of illegal immigrants, specifically targeting over 1.7 million Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan. In a post shared on X on a Friday, she echoes the plea of UN experts, urging the Pakistani government to reassess its hastily implemented plan for mass deportations, which is set to take effect by November 1.
To enforce this policy, the government has established "holding centers" to detain any remaining illegal refugees after the impending deadline. However, this decision has sparked widespread concern, with many experts and individuals who rely on border crossings for their livelihood urging the government to reevaluate its stance.
It's important to note that many people from the neighboring region come to Pakistan, often seeking medical treatment.
Malala emphasizes that Afghan refugees, including children, women, men, and the elderly who are fleeing Taliban persecution, deserve support, dignity, and safety, rather than encountering additional obstacles and harassment.
In a separate development, on Thursday, a significant protest took place at the Chaman border in Balochistan, opposing the government's move to restrict border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This restriction mandates that individuals must possess a passport or visa to enter Pakistan.
As of Friday, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai reported that at least 16,000 illegal immigrants have voluntarily returned to their home countries in response to the government's policy.