A number of social and civil activists say that many Pakistani nationals are still employed in key factories, technical projects, and other professional sectors across several provinces of Afghanistan, including Kabul, earning monthly salaries ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of Afghanis.
According to these activists, at a time when thousands of Afghan youths are struggling with unemployment, priority should be given to Afghan professionals and skilled workers. They are calling on the Taliban government to replace foreign workers, particularly Pakistani nationals, with qualified and competent Afghan professionals.
The activists add that limited job opportunities and ongoing economic challenges have heightened public concerns, while the widespread presence of foreign workers—especially Pakistanis—is viewed as one of the major factors contributing to unemployment among skilled Afghan youth.
Meanwhile, these demands come as the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan has accelerated in recent months. Reports indicate that thousands of Afghan refugees return to the country daily, with many complaining of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by Pakistani police.
