Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stirred a storm by demanding Afghan citizenship in Pakistan. In a controversial statement, he urged the federal government to grant nationality to Afghan nationals, claiming they could bring “billions of dollars” in investment.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Private TV, Gandapur argued that Pakistan must relax its citizenship laws. He said Afghans living in Pakistan already run large businesses and should be allowed to contribute more openly to the economy. “If Britain, America, and Belgium can grant them citizenship, why not Pakistan?” Gandapur remarked.
His comments, however, raise deep concerns. The nation knows that many Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan are linked with terrorism, smuggling, and organized crime. RAW, the Afghan government, and TTP have repeatedly used Afghan soil and Afghan refugees to launch terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. Gandapur himself cannot be unaware of these realities. Why, then, does he still push for Afghan citizenship in Pakistan?
Some political observers believe there are hidden motives. Critics argue that Afghan refugees have long been used by PTI to swell protest crowds and fuel violent demonstrations, including the infamous May 9 incident. Others suggest that Gandapur wants to secure a vote bank and financial backing from Afghan businessmen already settled in KP. Whatever the reason, his demand undermines national security.
Gandapur also attempted to portray himself as a sympathizer of Punjab flood victims. He said he could not travel to Punjab due to the devastating floods in his own province but stressed that “the people of Punjab are our brothers.” Many saw this as an empty gesture meant to soften his controversial remarks.
Meanwhile, the federal government has ended the Proof of Registration (PoR) card deadline for Afghan refugees. Officials confirm that only Afghans with valid visas will be allowed to stay. Those with expired visas are also being assisted, but deportations are continuing. So far, at least 16,400 Afghans have been expelled from Islamabad alone.
The UNHCR has voiced concern over Pakistan’s plan to repatriate PoR cardholders. In a statement issued on August 5, the UN Refugee Agency said it had received reports of arrests and detentions of Afghan refugees, including those holding valid PoR cards.
Despite this, Pakistan has made its stance clear: illegal foreigners must leave. Yet Gandapur’s call for Afghan citizenship in Pakistan puts him at odds with state policy and public sentiment. His controversial position raises troubling questions: is he prioritizing Afghans over Pakistan’s own security? Or is there a political bargain behind this risky proposal?
