CM Gandapur says KP will not deport Afghans by force

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has declared that his government will not forcibly expel Afghan nationals from the province, advocating instead for voluntary repatriation and peaceful regional dialogue.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Gandapur stated, “If any Afghan wants to return voluntarily, we will facilitate them, but no one will be expelled by force.” He announced plans to establish support camps to assist those willing to return to Afghanistan of their own accord.

The chief minister emphasized that sustainable peace in the region is unattainable without stability in Afghanistan, adding that the current unrest stems from “our flawed policies” that pushed people toward militancy.

“Rebuilding trust and ensuring peace in Afghanistan and the border areas is essential for regional stability,” he said.

Read more: Afghan refugees face deportation after deadline for voluntary return ends

Gandapur criticized the federal government's approach to Afghan refugees, calling the current policy “fundamentally flawed,” and argued that the Foreign Office should pursue a more strategic and humane dialogue with Kabul.

Touching on the broader issue of terrorism, the K-P chief minister claimed that Pakistan’s status as an Islamic state has made it a target of violence, and linked growing instability to international interest in the region’s mineral wealth. “US-Pakistan agreements have highlighted the region’s resources, and since then, we’ve seen an uptick in violence,” he noted.

He concluded by advocating for negotiations with Afghanistan in line with Pakistan’s interests, stating that dialogue should be pursued if it offers a viable path forward.