Afghan Refugees Must Return After 50 Years: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Afghan refugees who have been living in Pakistan for the past 50 years must now return to their homeland.

Speaking on the issue, Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan needs to reclaim control over its economy, which he says is heavily influenced by Afghan nationals.

“Afghan migrants are deeply involved in key sectors like transport, construction, and contracting. These are the backbone of our economy, and we need to take them back,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of proper border control between Pakistan and Afghanistan. “Borders should function as they do in the rest of the world — no one should be able to cross them freely without permission.”

The government recently announced a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, giving them a deadline to leave the country. The move has sparked global concern about the rights and safety of Afghan refugees.