Illegal Afghan refugees pose a serious security threat to Pakistan’s stability. Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for decades, often at the expense of its national security. It began as an act of hospitality during Soviet invasion in 1979 but now it has become more of the challenge for Pakistan. Today, after almost four decades Afghan Nationals are a pressing security concern for our state. States first and foremost duty is towards its own citizens and their protection. While compassion cannot be divorced from policy, it cannot override security imperatives. International assistance remains episodic, creating incentives for ad hoc fixes rather than a durable framework. Can Pakistan enforce departures decisively while allowing a reasonable, orderly timeframe that preserves basic dignity?

Pakistan’s responsibility is ensuring  the safety and security in the region. The unregistered, undocumented and anonymous persons having illegal residency at mass scale only benefits from the situation in causing exploitation. It’s a fact that militants thrive where identities are easy to stay anonymous. Hospitality cannot substitute for security policy when militant violence, smuggling, and organized crime adapt to grey zones created by illegality. Introducing a security led policy for the purposes of restoring border control and internal movement does not resonate with the idea of hostility. This is necessary for security sustenance. This can deter the refugee cover of those who carries operational threats to Pakistan.

The most serious concern with illegal Afghan refugees is security. Pakistan has witnessed a resurgence of terrorism in recent years. These acts are particularly regulated by groups operating outside of Afghanistan. These groups are involved in launching attacks inside Pakistan causing damage not only to our infrastructure but also killing civilians. The Intelligence reports have repeatedly showed the connection between the illegal Afghan refugees with militant activities, weapons trafficking and also smuggling networks. The unregulated border movements also complicate the situation for Pakistan. Militants often disguise themselves as refugees, making it harder to distinguish between the actual refugees and hostile actors. The situation is further worsened by unavailability of reliable data.  The issue is not refugee management but it’s being a threat to Pakistan’s security and sovereignty.

Security risks intersect with the social and economic aspects which Pakistan dies not afford to absorb anymore. These Informal settlements of Afghan refugees puts stress over Pakistan’ electricity, sanitation and water.  The labor markets go untaxed and unregistered that only makes situation worse for already stressed low-income Pakistanis given the rising inflation. We can’t categorize these burdens as abstract issues. They are leading to instability in Pakistan which is slowly translating into space for more activities presenting threat to our security. A time-bound return policy eases these pressures and allows provincial administrations to plan realistically.

Pakistan’s dilemma is often framed as a binary: mass deportation versus unlimited hospitality. Both extremes are unrealistic. The middle path is the only reasonable solution. Refugees must leave Pakistan but within a reasonable time frame and humane manner. Pakistan should clearly announce a reasonable timeframe for example, several months during which Afghan nationals can return safely. Thos refugees who comply with this policy should be dealt with dignity but once the deadline passes Pakistan has right to deport those who stay illegally. This the enforcement of law. Every sovereign state has the right to regulate its borders. The responsibility of Pakistan’s government is to 240 million Pakistanis, not to host foreign nationals whose presence is a threat to its national security.

The international community has consistently failed to play its part of responsibility. No state in the world can be expected to host millions of refugees while the rest of the world closes their doors. Especially a third world country like Pakistan which is already struggling with its development does not afford to invest over Afghan nationals which in turn only undermines its national security. If the world wants stability in Afghanistan and security in Pakistan , they have to step in and play their roles. They have to assist by providing financial aid for repatriation. They should also put some diplomatic pressure on Afghan government that refugees returning back to their state are dealt with dignity. Pakistan must not allow itself to be guilt-tripped into maintaining an unsustainable status quo. The International community’s indifference does not mean that Pakistan has to be indifferent towards its own citizens.

Moving forward Pakistan needs to adopt a clear and firm stance that illegal Afghan refugees should be asked to return to Afghanistan within a reasonable timeframe allowed for dignified exit, but also without compromising national security any further. Pakistan also needs to enhance border security. Enhance surveillance, fencing, and documentation systems to prevent re-entry of deported individuals and infiltration of militants. Pakistan an also work with UNHCR or other agencies for the purposes of Humanitarian oversight, while demanding financial assistance for return programs. This framework provides a balance approach and is in favor of Pakistan’s national security.  Security compromised for the sake of misplaced compassion is not true compassion rather it is negligence. A clear, firm, and humane repatriation policy is not only desirable now but it has become a necessity.