Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party Holds Rally in Support of Afghan Refugees

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) workers and supporters took to the streets in Quetta, calling on the government to stop the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees. The rally, led by PkMAP Secretary General Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal and Dr Hamid Achakzai, was a show of solidarity with the refugees who have lived in Pakistan for over 40 years, building social and business relationships with locals. The speakers condemned the treatment of the refugees, highlighting the discrepancy between Pakistan's policy and that of Western countries, which grant citizenship to refugees after a shorter period. The demand for Afghan refugees to be granted Pakistani citizenship was echoed throughout the rally.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) held a rally in Quetta to show support for Afghan refugees facing forced repatriation.
  • The rally was led by PkMAP Secretary General Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal and Dr Hamid Achakzai, who emphasized the social and economic contributions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
  • Speakers at the rally criticized Pakistan's policy of repatriating Afghan refugees after 40 years, noting that Western countries grant citizenship to refugees after a shorter period.
  • The rally demanded that Afghan refugees be granted Pakistani citizenship, allowing them to live peacefully according to the country's laws and constitution.
  • Protesters highlighted the achievements of Afghan refugees in Pakistani universities, including medical, engineering, and other disciplines.
  • The speakers condemned the treatment of Afghan refugees, stating that their three generations have obtained education and skills in Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • Over 40 years: the length of time Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan.
  • 5 years: the time frame after which Western countries grant citizenship to refugees.
  • 40 years: the duration for which Afghan refugees have built social and business relationships with Pakistanis.
  • Hundreds: the estimated number of protesters who participated in the rally.

Sources:

  • "PkMAP takes out rally in support of Afghan refugees", Dawn News, [No Date]
  • "Protest in Quetta against repatriation of Afghan 'Kadwal'", The Express Tribune, [No Date]