US Embassy’s List of Afghan Individuals Poses Repatriation Hurdle Amidst Pakistan-US Relations
A significant obstacle has emerged in the repatriation of Afghan individuals, and it is not solely a matter concerning Afghanistan’s Interim Government or the Afghans themselves; rather, it is a chronic issue rooted in Pakistan-US relations. The US Embassy in Islamabad has presented a list of 25,000 Afghans, along with individuals from other countries, to the Pakistan Government, requesting a halt to their deportation.
These individuals, former employees on the US payroll during the occupation of Afghanistan, served as agents, informers, and translators. Originally intended to be settled in the US or Europe, their relocation got delayed due to resistance from their respective governments. The US, under a changed policy, deliberately kept these individuals in Pakistan, with the PDM government consenting during their tenure as an obligation for regime change.
This strategic move by the US serves a dual purpose. Firstly, by keeping these individuals in close proximity to Afghanistan, they continue to serve US interests, whether as informants or agents. Secondly, any misadventure or blame can conveniently be directed towards the Afghan Interim Government or regarded as routine accusations against all Afghans. Essentially, these individuals are acknowledged as US agents officially stationed in Pakistan.
However, the recent policy shift in Pakistan, focusing on repatriating all illegal foreigners, has escalated tensions. The US fears that these individuals, if repatriated to Afghanistan, may face execution for treason. This has prompted the US to delay their relocation for the past two years. With the current repatriation policy in effect, the urgency for a resolution has heightened.
For Pakistan, these individuals pose a substantial risk as trained agents of the US. Their potential use against the Afghan Taliban Government and Pakistan from within is a cause for concern. The US Ambassador is actively attempting to downplay the situation, suggesting a temporary continuation of their stay in Pakistan until relocation documentation processes are completed. However, Pakistan has yet to agree to this proposition, highlighting the historical complexity of such diplomatic matters.
As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how long Pakistan can resist the pressure from the US, as the intricate dynamics of repatriation, intelligence interests, and regional stability come to the forefront.
