The podcast discusses the forced exodus of Afghans from Pakistan and its implications on the domestic politics of Pakistan. It explores the reasons behind the expulsion, including Pakistan's weak state, high inflation, debt issues, and rise in terrorist attacks. The lack of a relationship between the Afghan population in Pakistan and violence or terrorism is examined, along with the overwhelmed capacity of the UNHCR office. The complex dynamic between the US and Pakistan, and the impact of US policy in the region, are also debated.
Pakistan's forced eviction of Afghan refugees highlights the country's weak economy, high inflation, and increase in terrorist attacks.
The eviction reflects an anti-immigrant narrative in Pakistan, despite the impoverished state of the refugees and the struggles faced by the UNHCR office.
Deep dives
Massive eviction of Afghans from Pakistan
Pakistan is currently executing a massive eviction of Afghans, particularly 1.7 million refugees, as a result of a deadline set by the government. This move raises questions about Pakistan's internal politics, which can be attributed to its weak economy, high inflation, and a rise in terrorist attacks along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The current interim government's decision to evict the refugees is seen by some as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from the country's economic and security challenges. However, it is important to note that there is no significant evidence linking the Afghan population in Pakistan to violence or terrorism.
Pakistan's anti-immigrant narrative and US role
The eviction of Afghan refugees in Pakistan reflects an anti-immigrant narrative prevalent in the country, despite the fact that these refugees are impoverished and leaving with nothing. The Pakistani government estimates around 1.7 million undocumented Afghans in the country, although the exact figures are difficult to determine due to the lack of recent census data. The overloaded UN High Commissioner for Refugees office in Pakistan struggles to meet the demands for resettling refugees abroad. In terms of the US-Pakistan relationship, it remains uncertain. The fallout of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan is considered a contributing factor to the current refugee crisis in Pakistan. However, Pakistan might argue that the US, with its own issues concerning migrant populations, has limited grounds to criticize Pakistan's actions.