Pakistan's Deportation of Afghan Refugees: Context and Motivations

Pakistan, currently governed by a military-backed caretaker government, has implemented an aggressive deportation drive targeting Afghan refugees, some of whom have been in Pakistan for generations. This move is seen as a reflection of the military's push, demonstrating its displeasure with the Afghan Taliban government. The narrative being used to justify this action includes claims of refugees being an economic burden and allegations of links to terrorism. Pakistan's objective appears to be twofold: domestically, it shifts blame for increased terrorism onto refugees, and internationally, it puts pressure on Western countries to expedite the resettlement process. The response from the Afghan Taliban has initially been welcoming, but the sustainability of their efforts to provide support and economic opportunities remains uncertain.