Overwhelming support for govt actions to repatriate Afghan nationals: Gallup Pakistan Survey
ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (SABAH): A recent survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan has unveiled the sentiments of the public regarding the government’s policy on Afghan refugees. First topic of the survey was opinions about the government’s decision to expel the illegal Afghan refugees from the country. The second topic of the survey was impact on Pakistan after the return of Afghan refugees to their homeland. The survey was conducted during the 1st to 4th November.
The survey, conducted with a diverse and representative sample of the Pakistani population, spread across all four provinces and over 100 districts revealed wide support for Government of Pakistan Afghan Repatriation Policy.
Key Findings:
• 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.