Brig. (Retd.) Ahmed Saeed Minhas (Defense Analyst): There are significant areas of concern in relation to the economic crisis and security challenges facing our country. The current government is actively pursuing practical measures to ensure that those involved in activities such as hoarding and money laundering face justice. A pressing issue is the presence of over four to five million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, of which only 1.3 million are registered. These undocumented Afghan refugees are scattered throughout the country and represent a significant challenge to law and order. Unfortunately, some Afghan refugees have been found to engage in criminal activities, including mobile phone theft, murder, and other illicit actions. In response to this issue, the government has initiated an operation to address the presence of these undocumented immigrants within Pakistan. In the past, Pakistan has repeatedly extended deadlines for Afghan refugees to leave the country, while also facing pressure from the United Nations and human rights organizations to accommodate them on humanitarian grounds. The current caretaker government is resolute in its commitment to take action against all illegal Afghan immigrants. This effort aims to combat smuggling of goods and foreign currency, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the South Asian economy, which has been facing considerable challenges.

Dr. Muhammad Khan (Defense Analyst):  Undoubtedly, the presence of illegal Afghan refugees in Pakistan poses a significant security challenge for the country. There is a growing concern that these Afghan refugees might play a role in the resurgence of terrorism within Pakistan. Since the Taliban assumed control in Afghanistan, there has been a noticeable uptick in terrorist activities within Pakistan. The recent cowardly terror attacks during Eid Milad-un-Nabi gatherings, resulting in the tragic loss of over 80 innocent lives, deserve strong condemnation. Such attacks on Islamic gatherings underscore the fact that terrorists have no affiliation with the principles of Islam. Pakistan has made sincere efforts to contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan. Regrettably, the interim Afghan government has not reciprocated these goodwill gestures with a similar spirit of cooperation.