Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has suggested that Afghan nationals living in Pakistan should be offered citizenship, saying they could bring significant investment into the country.
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In remarks to Samaa TV, he said Afghans were already part of Pakistan’s economy through small and large businesses, and granting them full rights could help attract billions of dollars. He added that other nations, including Belgium and the United States, had provided Afghans with citizenship, and Pakistan should consider the same.
Discussing floods in his province, Gandapur explained that he was unable to visit Punjab due to the scale of emergencies at home. He assured Punjab residents of KP’s solidarity, describing them as “brothers” and promising support if required.
The comments came as Pakistan ended its voluntary deadline for Afghan refugees with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Authorities clarified that only Afghans with valid visas would be exempt from deportation. Those with expired documents were being provided assistance. According to officials, 16,400 Afghans have so far been deported from Islamabad.
UNHCR has raised concern over the plan, warning against forced returns. In a statement, it said Afghan refugees, including PoR holders, had been arrested and detained in recent days, calling on Pakistan to uphold international commitments.
