'Those who oppose sending refugees back are serving interests of Pakistan’s enemies:' Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended the government’s ongoing repatriation of Afghan refugees, stating that Pakistan has long shouldered the burden of hosting asylum seekers who have failed to show gratitude in return.

Taking to X, Asif strongly criticised Afghan refugees, though he did not explicitly name the community, his remarks were clearly directed at them amid the current deportation drive.

“When those who take refuge in your home do not say ‘long live your home,’ and their brothers and sisters insult your flag and shed the blood of your defenders… when their homeland becomes a refuge for our enemies… then these guests, who have received sustenance and shelter on our soil for two generations, should return to their own homes,” he wrote.

Read: CM Gandapur says KP will not deport Afghans by force

His statement comes as several human rights organisations and activists have raised concerns over the forced return of Afghan nationals from various Pakistani cities.

Dismissing the criticism, Asif emphasised Pakistan’s security concerns and accused local opponents of the deportation policy of acting against national interests.

“Those Pakistanis who oppose the return of these refugees are serving the interests of Pakistan’s enemies,” he added.

Meanwhile, the repatriation of undocumented immigrants via the Torkham border continues.

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According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department, 876 Afghan Citizen Card holders were deported through Torkham on Sunday, bringing the total number of deportees since April 1 to 1,355.

In addition, authorities in Punjab detained 1,047 Afghan nationals on Sunday, who were later transferred to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for deportation.

All 1,047 refugees are expected to be repatriated to Afghanistan through Torkham today.