Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq stated that a number of Afghan nationals living in Pakistan illegally have been involved in terrorism and crimes, justifying Pakistan’s right to deport such illegal migrants.
Addressing a press conference, the caretaker prime minister pointed out that the recent provocative statements made by Afghan nationals about Islamabad’s decision to deport illegal foreigners have contributed to the rise in terrorism in Pakistan.
He emphasized that Kabul must extradite individuals behind terror activities in Pakistan and expressed regret that the Afghan interim government had not taken action against those involved in cross-border terrorism, including groups like the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar highlighted that taking action against the TTP is in the interest of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also expressed disappointment with the threatening statements issued by Kabul officials, suggesting that Pakistan had no choice but to address the situation unilaterally since there was no positive reaction from Kabul.
Kakar noted that Pakistan had experienced a 60% increase in terrorist incidents following the rise of the Afghan Taliban to power in Afghanistan. He emphasized the need for the Afghan interim government to recognize the independence of both countries.
Regarding the deportation of illegal Afghan nationals and concerns from nationalist parties in Pakistan, Kakar rejected the idea that Pakhtuns were being targeted. He made it clear that unregulated cross-border movement would not be permitted and emphasized that Afghanistan is a separate, independent country.
Kakar also addressed the issue of currency fluctuations, attributing changes in the dollar exchange rate to market forces and not seeing minor fluctuations as significant. However, he expressed concern about foreign-made weapons being traded in the black market, which he described as an alarming trend that goes beyond Pakistan and affects the entire region.