PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has opposed the government’s decision to forcibly deport Afghan refugees, saying that it is a sensitive issue and could further complicate the situation.
He said that he is in favour of talks with Afghanistan because unless Afghanistan is taken into confidence, it will be difficult to control terrorism in the region.
He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan share borders with Afghanistan, so it is necessary to discuss these issues. He said that Afghans who do not have a criminal record have no problem staying in the country.
The Chief Minister said that the presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan could lead to an investment of about three billion dollars, which would prove beneficial for the country’s economy.
He added that he has always raised his voice for those Afghans who are legally residing in the country and are not involved in any illegal activities.
He once again emphasized that the issue of Afghan refugees should be resolved diplomatically and peacefully, rather than through forced deportation, to maintain stability in the region.
