Economic cost of deporting Afghans

The widespread departure of illegal aliens, spurred by the caretaker government’s abrupt decision to crack down and deport individuals lacking valid documents in Pakistan, has the potential to leave lasting impressions not only on the country’s political landscape but also on its domestic economy. Official circles and some economists downplay the potential adverse impact on Pakistan’s economy from the exodus of illegal immigrants. However, many business leaders in the smaller provinces, fearing a dangerous ethnic dimension, are concerned that the decision could further contract the already fragile economies of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a vital source of cheap labour begins to dwindle. Shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar government urged illegal immigrants to voluntarily depart from Pakistan by the end of October, with the deportation drive set to commence in November. This decision, ostensibly driven by security concerns, is reportedly linked to broader counter-terrorism actions.