Osman Khalid Butt slams ‘brutality’ against Afghans | The Express Tribune

In recent weeks, there has been a growing spotlight on the widespread displacement of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, drawing substantial concern from human rights organizations and influential figures regarding the treatment of these uprooted individuals. Alongside this, notable personalities and celebrities have also raised their voices in response to the unfolding situation.

Osman Khalid Butt, who has previously been vocal about the mass deportations, is continuing to battle it out on X as he champions the cause. Not only has the star been sharing key resources and urgent cases that require attention, but he’s also making his own point of view known. 

The star, who has also been active on social media, lending his voice to the Palestinian cause, took to X to state, “The Pakistani government, meanwhile, showing racism and brutality against its own people in the name of ‘undocumented’ Afghan deportations. This isn’t about ‘illegal’ immigrants anymore. It isn’t about ‘security threats’ anymore. Just blatant racial profiling,” said the actor.

He further linked a series of posts as a reply to the same, wherein he took on an X user stating that the deported Afghans were “our own people.” Osman stated, “I urge you to do some research as to what’s happening – minors are being deported as their parents, Pakistani citizens, are frantically searching for them in detention centres. People with PoRs (Proof of Registration) and Pakistani NICs are being deported. What’s happening is illegal.” He went on to quote further resources, findings, and videos of those suffering from this decision. 

The actor joins the likes of Armeena Khan and Sanam Saeed, who have spoken up about the same. Previously, Armeena Khan took to the site formerly known as Twitter to pen a note. “It would be criminal of me not to talk about 1.7 million Afghans who are being displaced from Pakistan, their homes being bulldozed,” said the star. “This is absolutely vile! How can we treat them this way? I cannot talk about Gaza without talking about the plight of the Afghans. This is so sad!” The star also reposted an older tweet of hers that stated, “You either stand against injustice, genocide and displacement or you don’t! If you are selective then you are no better than the oppressors. Thank you.”

Sanam, in her post on X, pointed out that forcibly removing those seeking shelter will not address Pakistan’s fundamental issues. She noted that this action might seem like an attempt to shift blame from the challenges the government and the country are facing. Furthermore, she emphasised the importance of displaying more mercy during these trying times in the world. Her post underscored a critical aspect of the debate surrounding the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan.

“Deporting refugees who seek shelter here will not make our fundamental issues go away. It looks like we are deflecting blame from challenges that the government or the country overall is facing. At a time like this in the world right now, we need to show more mercy,” she shared on the microblogging site with a tag addressing the government of Pakistan.

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