Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has urged Islamabad to ease its citizenship rules for Afghan nationals, saying the move could unlock billions of dollars in investment.
Speaking to Samaa TV, he noted that Afghans had established thriving businesses in Pakistan and should be allowed to play a stronger role in the economy. He argued that if countries like Britain and the United States could provide citizenship, Pakistan should not lag behind.
Gandapur also commented on the flood crisis in his province, explaining that he was unable to travel to Punjab because of emergency relief operations in KP. Still, he described Punjab as a “brotherly” province and promised assistance where needed.
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His appeal coincides with the end of Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. The government confirmed that only Afghans with valid visas would be permitted to stay. Deportations are already underway, with more than 16,000 Afghans removed from Islamabad alone.
International organisations have raised alarm over the policy. UNHCR said on 5 August it was concerned about forced returns, adding it had documented arrests and detentions of Afghans, including PoR cardholders.
