ISLAMABAD: Afghan refugees in Pakistan are returning to their homeland, but this return is with tears—a situation that has arisen only due to the lack of a clear and actionable obligation.
Afghan journalist Ehsanullah told Pakhtun Digital podcast that the refugees are upset that the government did not give them a clear deadline for their return. If the return had been with happiness, the situation would not have reached the deadline. He called this continuous monthly grace period policy a cause of mental distress. Ehsanullah said that on August 14, some Afghan youth were celebrating by raising the national flag of Pakistan, but the recent strict policies have cast a shadow over their love.
There are some youths who have never crossed the Torkham border because they did not feel the need to return. However, these days, they themselves do not understand where they are going. He warned that Afghans who have identity cards (PoR or ACC) may also be blocked someday. Therefore, he has appealed to Afghans to think seriously about the future—if the policy becomes stricter, they may be sent back to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the government has announced to give more time to Afghan refugees until September, which makes it clear that the previous period given was insufficient and is causing social and psychological problems.
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