Sanam Saeed speaks out in favour of Afghan refugees. The forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan has attracted significant international attention and condemnation, with prominent figures like Sanam Saeed, a well-known actor, speaking out against the actions taken by the Pakistani government.
The November 1, 2023, deadline for all “illegal aliens” to leave Pakistan marked a critical juncture in the ongoing crisis.
Sanam Saeed, in a notable Twitter statement, urged the Pakistani government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that forcibly removing those seeking refuge would not address the underlying challenges that Pakistan is grappling with.
She suggested that such actions might be perceived as an attempt to divert attention from the broader issues facing the government and the nation.
Saeed also stressed the importance of demonstrating compassion, particularly in the current global climate of upheaval and displacement.
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Her tweet has resonated with many and underscores a key aspect of the ongoing debate surrounding the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan.
As Sanam Saeed speaks out in favour of Afghan refugees, she said:
“Deporting refugees who seek shelter here will not eliminate our core challenges. It appears as if we are trying to shift the focus from the difficulties the government and the country are facing. Especially in the current global climate, we should demonstrate more compassion,” she tweeted, along with a hashtag directed at the Pakistani government.
The Pakistani government’s deportation order primarily targeted Afghan migrants, leading to the expulsion of over 70,000 undocumented Afghans in the weeks leading up to the November 1 deadline.
This order has placed substantial pressure on the estimated 1.7 million Afghans residing unlawfully in Pakistan.
Landlords, fearing fines, have evicted Afghan tenants, while employers have terminated undocumented Afghan workers.
In response, police have conducted raids in Afghan-populated neighborhoods, arresting those lacking proper documentation.
Human rights organizations have strongly criticized Pakistan’s actions, expressing concerns that some Afghan refugees may face persecution upon their return due to past associations with Taliban opponents.
Despite this criticism, Pakistani officials have remained resolute in their deportation policy, establishing detention and repatriation centers nationwide for Afghan refugees.
The situation remains a contentious and pressing issue, drawing attention not only within Pakistan but also on the international stage, as nations grapple with the complex challenges of accommodating and protecting displaced individuals amidst global crises.
