Afghan Refugees are our Muslim brothers, their stay should be legalized

Afghans are not only our neighbors but also our brothers in Islam. They have endured 40 years of war and turmoil. and they are still suffering from its deadly consequences. Their country is facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 90% of their population living below the poverty line and 72% in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. There is food insecurity, economic recession, regional rivalries, and threats from radical organizations, Afghanistan still has not been able to restore peace and stability.

From the very beginning, Pakistan showed true brotherhood and hosted millions of Afghan refugees for 4 decades. These people found a home in Pakistan, living in security, earning a decent livelihood, raising their families, and contributing to Pakistan’s economy.

but the recent decision to repatriate weighs heavy on the hearts of Afghan refugees. Many of them can't leave behind what they have spent their whole lives building and forcing them to go somewhere where their future is uncertain is not good either. It would be better if they could return to their country voluntarily, untill then Pakistan should continue to host them, by allowing them to stay as long as they want and by registering them legally. This is also in line with Quranic teachings of how despite being needy, Ansar preferred Muhajirun over themselves..

{And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their hearts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful} [al-Hashr 59:9].

Pakistan should be like another home for our Afghan Muslim brothers and sisters!