‘What’s wrong?’: The silence of Pakistanis on expulsion of Afghan refugees: Analysis

The Pakistani government has recently launched a crackdown on undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants, resulting in their disappearance from public view. The move has been met with a muted response from the Pakistani public, with many expressing support for the government’s decision. The Pakistani government claims that around 1.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan were undocumented and blames them for an increase in attacks by armed groups. Gallup Pakistan conducted a survey that found that 84% of respondents strongly approved of the government’s move to expel the refugees, and 64% believed it would improve security and peace in Pakistan.

However, there are concerns that the Pakistani public’s support for the expulsion of Afghan refugees is fueled by racism and xenophobic discourses. Sociologist Nida Kirmani argues that the Pakistani state has portrayed the Afghans as terrorists, despite its own role in supporting groups like the Taliban in Afghanistan. Lawyer Sara Malkani notes that there is some resistance among civil society groups to the government’s decision, but public outrage is muted, possibly due to fears of state suppression of anti-government protests.

It is crucial to educate the Pakistani public about the conditions in Afghanistan and the role played by the Pakistani state in perpetuating these conditions. Malkani emphasizes that Afghanistan is facing a political and humanitarian crisis under the current Taliban government, with widespread gender apartheid being observed. She argues that forcibly deporting Afghan refugees back to these conditions is unconscionable.

Overall, the article presents a variety of perspectives on the Pakistani government’s crackdown on Afghan refugees. While there are those who support the decision, there are also concerns about racism and xenophobia, as well as the impact on the refugees themselves. The article provides a balanced view of the situation and raises important questions about the motivations behind the government’s actions and the public response to them.

In terms of credibility, the article cites interviews with individuals in Pakistan and references a survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan. However, it does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the sources’ backgrounds or potential biases. Additionally, the article does not provide any viewpoints or analysis from the Afghan refugees themselves, which could have added a more nuanced understanding of the topic.

The article’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and limited viewpoints could contribute to a lack of factual accuracy and a potentially biased representation of the situation. Additionally, the article does not provide any statistical data or objective analysis to support its claims, which could undermine its credibility. Overall, readers should approach the information presented in the article with caution and seek additional sources to form a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

In terms of the impact on the public’s perception, the article highlights the prevalence of anti-refugee sentiment and xenophobia in Pakistan. The support for the government’s actions and the lack of public outrage could be influenced by these sentiments, as well as fears of state repression. The article also alludes to the role of state-sponsored propaganda in shaping public opinion regarding Afghan refugees. The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news could further contribute to the public’s polarization and potentially hinder the dissemination of accurate information. It is essential for the public to critically evaluate the sources and information they encounter to avoid misinformation and promote a more nuanced understanding of complex issues such as refugee crises.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/22/whats-wrong-the-silence-of-pakistanis-on-expulsion-of-afghan-refugees