This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
As the Taliban continues its offensive in Afghanistan, former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has sounded the alarm, warning that the situation could have a dangerous impact on Pakistan.
Speaking on the matter, Zardari urged the Pakistani government to 'keep an eye' on the situation in Afghanistan and take necessary decisions to safeguard the country's interests.
With a shared border of over 2,600 kilometres, Pakistan is at risk of facing a refugee crisis if the violence in Afghanistan intensifies.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has also expressed concerns, stating that Pakistan would shut its border with Afghanistan if the Taliban takes control of the country.
Qureshi added that Pakistan has already taken in 3.5 million Afghan refugees over the years and would not accept any more, citing the need to safeguard national interests.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has also weighed in on the issue, warning that a further civil war in Afghanistan could lead to an increase in refugees in Pakistan, thereby 'further impoverishing the frontier areas on our border'.
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, Pakistan's neighbourhood security remains at risk.
