Pakistan to close Spin Boldak border with Afghanistan, sparking concerns

Pakistan has decided to close the Spin Boldak border, Afghanistan, effectively limiting the movement of residents from both sides of the border. Until now, people from both sides could freely travel across the border without requiring visas. This move has prompted significant reactions and concerns within Pakistan and beyond its borders, giving rise to discussions about the potential consequences.

The closure of the Spin Boldak border by Pakistan will substantially change the ease of travel between the Afghans and Pakistanis.

On the other hand, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir emphasized the importance of the safety and security of all Pakistanis during the National Security Workshop. He made it clear that compromising this security was not an option.

This statement came from discussions regarding the repatriation and deportation of illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan.

Earlier this month, the government, in a meeting chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended by COAS Munir, issued an ultimatum to undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, to leave Pakistan by a specific deadline or face imprisonment and deportation. The decision also enforced the requirement for passports and visas for border crossings, with electronic Afghan identity cards accepted only until October 31.

COAS Munir stressed that the safety and security of every Pakistani citizen was non-negotiable and praised the armed forces’ efforts in combating terrorism. He expressed confidence that with the support of the Pakistani people, they would continue to succeed in this endeavour.

On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported the return of around 5,179 immigrants from Pakistan and Iran. According to an official in Islam Qala Herat, 3,591 individuals, including families, entered the country both forcibly and voluntarily.

Additionally, the ministry noted that approximately 1,585 Afghan migrants were forcibly returned from Pakistan through the Spin Boldak border on the previous day.

Recently, a notable increase in the detention and repatriation of Afghan migrants in Pakistan and Iran has occurred, primarily due to their lack of legal residency documents. Despite calls from the United Nations and certain Western countries over the past month urging Pakistan and Iran to halt deportations, both countries have maintained their stance on repatriating Afghan migrants.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, clarified in the Senate that there are no intentions to extend the migrant expulsion deadline, dispelling misconceptions. Bugti stressed that the government’s directive pertains to all illegal migrants, not just Afghans. Any potential extension of the deadline will be subject to discussion among authorities, as per the Interior Minister.

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