The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, Zabiullah Mujahid, expressed discontent on X regarding Pakistan’s treatment of Afghan refugees. He described Pakistan’s behavior towards Afghan refugees as unacceptable and called on Islamabad to reconsider its plan.
Earlier, the Pakistani Interior Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, announced a deadline of November 1 for Afghan refugees to leave Pakistan, citing that Afghan nationals were responsible for 14 out of 24 suicide bombings in the country this year.
Zabiullah Mujahid countered this claim by stating that Pakistan should not blame Afghan refugees for its security issues. He urged Pakistan to tolerate the presence of Afghan refugees as long as they leave voluntarily.
Pakistan’s decision to expel illegal immigrants, including Afghan nationals, has strained relations between the two neighboring countries, which already deteriorated after recent clashes along the Durand Line.
US Shows Concern Over Pakistan’s Decision To Expel Afghans
Earlier, The US Department of Defense announced that the US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III had a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir on Tuesday.
According to a statement by Pentagon Press Secretary, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin held a phone call with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir. During the conversation, they discussed mutual interests and recent regional developments.
This announcement came shortly after Pakistan set a deadline for the expulsion of all illegal foreign nationals within the country.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Apex Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in which General Munir was also present. The committee decided to establish November 1 as the deadline for foreign nationals to depart the country.
After this deadline, any illegal foreign nationals found in the country will be deported, and their properties will be confiscated.
Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel highlighted Pakistan’s importance as a partner in the resettlement of Afghan refugees.
He said that Pakistan is an important stopover for fleeing Afghan nationals.
Sarfaraz Bugti, interior minister announced the formation of a task force to take action against illegal immigrants. He said that Pakistan was one of the few countries that allowed entry without a passport.
