Dear Editor,
Recently, Pakistan has repatriated numerous undocumented Afghan refugees to their homeland. However, an unsettling trend has emerged, with some individuals within our nation drawing parallels between Pakistan’s actions and the contentious policies of Israel, particularly concerning the Palestinian crisis. It is perplexing to witness our homeland facing internal criticism for what is being unjustly labeled as displacement.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that Pakistan has been a generous host to Afghan refugees for nearly four decades. During that period, even those who crossed the border illegally were afforded refuge. Yet, the present economic challenges and precarious financial state of our nation cannot be ignored. We teetered on the brink of default in the recent past, grappling with a rising inflation rate that has escalated the turnover rate and left many middle-class families in dire straits. Moreover, Pakistan has been scarred by numerous terrorist attacks, adding to the complex tapestry of our challenges.
In light of the current situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban government is working towards restoring law and order, it is only logical that these refugees return to their homes. It’s important to clarify that the repatriation efforts primarily target those residing within Pakistan without legal documentation. Afghan nationals with Pakistani citizenship face no such predicament.
Rather than hastily criticizing our nation, it is incumbent upon us to consider the intricate web of challenges Pakistan is navigating. Drawing an equivalence between our actions and Israel’s brutal tactics in Gaza is not only unfounded but diminishes the gravity of actual barbarism. Israel’s ruthless bombing of homes, schools, and hospitals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives across all demographics, starkly contrasts with Pakistan’s measured approach. The objective here is not land seizure but safeguarding our nation’s security and economic stability.
Before casting aspersions on Pakistan, it is imperative to recognize the nuanced complexities surrounding Afghan refugee repatriation. The decision stems from the necessity to prioritize our nation’s safety and economic well-being, especially considering the strain on resources in the face of a burgeoning population.
NOOR AYESHA
Sukkur