Why does Lukashenko need Pakistanis in Belarus? 150,000 Pakistani citizens in Belarus

Jeżeli masz możliwość, to prosimy ewentualnie o przekazanie 1,5% podatku na naszą działalność Białoruską

Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Representative of the Cabinet for the Transition of Power, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Leader of the "Latushka Team and the Movement 'For Freedom'" faction within the 3rd convocation of the Coordination Council

What awaits Belarus?

On January 7, 2025, on Orthodox Christmas, Lukashenko made a statement that should alarm every one of us: "I am already being informed that people from the East are beginning to arrive".

These words are no accident. The regime has announced a plan to bring in 150,000 Pakistani workers, and there is already talk about building housing — dormitories and rental apartments. But who are these for? Not for us, not for Belarusian families who have been waiting for housing for years. This housing is being prepared for migrants who, according to Lukashenko’s plan, are supposed to replace Belarusians.

Against the backdrop of a collapsing economy, an exodus of skilled professionals, youth fleeing the country, and the breakdown of healthcare, education, and other sectors — the Lukashenko regime has suddenly decided that the solution for Belarus is… inviting 150,000 people from another country.

Not reforms. Not ending repression and releasing political prisoners. Not democratizing the country and economy, not creating a free market and ending the state monopoly. No. Apparently, all we need to do is bring in 150,000 people from abroad — and everything will magically work out.

State propaganda has already issued threats: "Work harder, or you’ll be replaced by workers from Pakistan". Such words, coming from an ONT propagandist, are deeply cynical. But these are not just "working hands". One cannot rule out that this is a deliberate plan, full of risks. Lukashenko wants to turn Belarus into a transit hub for migrants, threatening national security, and once again damaging relations with neighboring countries, all for his own benefit. And he is doing it systematically and deliberately — since 2021.

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