Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has alleged that Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan are engaged in illegal business activities and land encroachments across the country.
Speaking during a programme on a private Pakistani television channel, Khawaja Asif claimed that a canal where he regularly swims has been encroached upon by Afghan nationals. “Dump trucks are parked along the canal, and these are owned by Afghans living in temporary shelters who have illegally occupied irrigation land,” he alleged.
He went on to claim that these Afghan owners may be bribing officials of the Irrigation Department. “All illegal businesses in Pakistan are run by Afghans. Afghan citizens have encroached on the land along the banks of our canals,” he said.
The defence minister estimated that there are around six to seven million undocumented individuals currently residing in Pakistan, suggesting that if these Afghan nationals return to their homeland, it would create employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens.
Commenting on foreign relations, Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan currently enjoys positive relations with the United States, but unlike in the past, these are not based on joint military engagements.
He acknowledged past policy decisions, stating, “In the past, we used clerics and so-called Mujahideen for our own objectives.”
Addressing India’s stance on water disputes, Asif said, “Whether India accepts it or not, the international community supports Pakistan’s position. Global institutions have said that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be unilaterally suspended.”