Zahir Shah Sherazi
The ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan due to insurgent groups, such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF), which operate from Afghan soil, have become a pressing concern for the region. These terrorist organisations, actively engaging in cross-border terrorism, continue to wreak havoc within Pakistan, further straining the already fragile peace efforts.
Despite Pakistan’s consistent calls to the Afghan government to take strong action against these groups, the Afghan Taliban, who now control Afghanistan, have shown little interest in taking effective measures to curtail their operations. This inaction has only exacerbated Pakistan’s internal security problems, as terrorists continue to find sanctuary across the border. According to multiple reports, these groups are not only planning attacks but also executing them with growing frequency, making it clear that Afghanistan has become a haven for forces intent on destabilising Pakistan.
Furthermore, the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan complicates the security landscape. Over 250,000 Afghan refugees, many of whom were involved in intelligence activities for the United States and the United Nations during the Afghan conflict, have entered Pakistan. The presence of illegal Afghan refugees has placed a severe strain on Pakistan’s infrastructure, economy, and social services. The international community, however, remains largely indifferent, leaving Pakistan to shoulder the burden.
In response, the Pakistani government has set a firm deadline for the repatriation of these refugees, which has been delayed since 2023. Refugee camps in Pakistan are being equipped with necessary facilities to facilitate their return, and after April 10, formal efforts to repatriate them will commence. The government has also announced that property owners harbouring illegal refugees will face consequences, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to resolving the refugee issue.
However, the lack of adequate arrangements for the refugees’ resettlement in Afghanistan raises concerns. The Afghan interim government has failed to provide employment opportunities, education, or basic infrastructure to accommodate these returning refugees. No substantial measures have been taken to address their welfare, leaving them with few options other than to remain in Pakistan, further exacerbating the pressure on the host country.
The international community must play a more active role in addressing these interconnected issues. The failure to act decisively against terrorist groups operating on Afghan soil and the continued neglect of the refugee crisis by global powers, including the United States and the United Nations, have left Pakistan vulnerable. It is imperative that Afghanistan’s neighbours, along with the international community, collectively pressure the Afghan government to fulfil its commitments under the Doha Agreement and take concrete steps to eliminate terrorism from its soil.
Furthermore, the refugee issue requires a collaborative approach to ensure that the displaced Afghan population is not left in limbo. The international community must not only assist Pakistan in repatriating refugees but also help the Afghan government in creating conditions that allow these refugees to return to their country with dignity and security. Until these challenges are addressed, Pakistan’s security situation will remain precarious, with serious implications for regional stability.
The path forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to curb terrorism, manage refugee resettlement, and ensure that Afghanistan’s soil is no longer used as a platform for attacks against neighbouring countries. Only through a coordinated, multinational approach can these issues be resolved and long-term peace achieved.
