Islamabad: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif has strongly criticized the Afghan government, calling on Kabul to show “a little self-respect” and take back its citizens currently residing in Pakistan. Speaking on the Hum News program “Faisla Aap Ka” with host Asma Shirazi, the minister suggested an alternative destination for the Afghan refugees if their own country refuses to accept them.
“The Afghan government should show a little self-respect and take its people back,” Asif stated during the interview. Offering a provocative suggestion, he added, “If they don’t want to take them to their own country, they should send them to India; the fare will be cheaper too”.
Minister Asif questioned the presence of a large Afghan population in Pakistan, asking, “What are four million Afghans doing in Pakistan?”.
The Defence Minister labeled the refugees as “ungrateful people,” highlighting Pakistan’s historical role in providing shelter to Afghan leaders. He stated that many prominent Afghan figures and rulers, past and present, had taken refuge in Pakistan. “The families of the rulers of that time are also in Pakistan,” he noted, concluding with the question, “Why is Pakistan bearing this burden?”.