Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has declared that Afghan refugees will not be expelled in a state of helplessness, emphasizing the importance of a dignified and humane approach to repatriation.

While backing the broader policy of deportation, he underscored the need to uphold the refugees’ dignity.

He also reiterated the province’s constitutional rights regarding the NFC Award.

Afghan deportation must be dignified, says Gandapur

Speaking at a press conference, Gandapur maintained that it would be unacceptable to forcibly remove Afghan nationals and leave them at the border without support. He said the provincial policy clearly stipulates that those who return voluntarily and with dignity would be provided with necessary resources.

He noted that he had consistently advocated for negotiations with Afghanistan, asserting that lasting peace could only be achieved by winning hearts and fostering goodwill. He reiterated that no Afghan national would be forcibly expelled and that the camps established for the refugees were meant to facilitate voluntary return only.

Gandapur pointed out that it had been two to three months since the Terms of Reference (TORs) for talks with Afghanistan were finalized, but there had been no response from the federal government or relevant institutions. He added that the Provincial Action Plan had already been set into motion and that intelligence-based operations were underway in the province.

Criticism of federal government over security and PTI’s removal

The chief minister also criticized the federal government’s handling of national security, stating that the ongoing wave of terrorism and the martyrdom of citizens was indicative of its failure. He claimed that terrorism had been curbed during the PTI government and expressed concerns about the removal of the party from power, alleging that deliberate efforts had been made to eliminate PTI from the political landscape.

He further stated that deteriorating relations with Afghanistan were also the result of inaction by federal institutions, which had called for TORs but failed to follow through. He stressed that the founder of PTI believes in dialogue as the only sustainable solution to conflict.

Gandapur threatens mass protest over NFC delay

On the issue of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Gandapur issued a stern warning, saying the April deadline for resolving the matter must be honored. He asserted that the province would not tolerate delays and described the NFC as a constitutional right.

He announced plans to launch a mass protest if the issue remains unresolved, stating that he would take to the streets along with the people of the province, including the police, administration, and government employees. He said the protest would demonstrate that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its people refuse to be sidelined or neglected.

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