Public Opinion in Pakistan on Government’s Afghan Refugee Policy : Overwhelming support for government actions to repatriate Afghan nationals

By the Gallup Pakistan

Awareness of Government Policy: An extensive 69% of Pakistanis are
informed about the government’s recent policy aimed at expelling illegally
residing Afghan refugees.

Support for the Policy: A resounding 84% of respondents expressed strong
approval of the government’s policy, considering it a commendable decision.

Opinions on Afghan Refugees Staying in Pakistan: Views on the presence
of Afghan refugees in Pakistan were divided, with 14% supporting their
continued stay, while 77% advocated for their return to Afghanistan.

Entry of Afghan Refugees: Concerning the entry of new Afghan refugees,
73% of respondents believed that the Pakistani government should prohibit
their entry, with 19% supporting their admission.

Requests for Afghan Refugees to Stay in Pakistan: In cases where Afghan
refugees request to stay in Pakistan, 42% of respondents believed that the
government should permit them to stay, while 46% favored rejecting such
requests.

Economic Impact of Repatriation: With regard to the economic
consequences of Afghan refugee repatriation, 55% of participants believed
that the return of Afghan refugees to their home country would positively
impact the Pakistani economy. In contrast, 22% of Pakistanis believed that
their repatriation would negatively affect the domestic economy.

Impact on Domestic Peace and Order: An overwhelming 64% of
respondents believed that the repatriation of Afghan refugees would enhance
domestic peace and order. Only 4% thought it would have an adverse effect,
while 22% believed it would have no impact.