Pakistan News: Afghan Refugees Deportation Accelerates
The accelerated deportation of Afghan refugees has significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts, with the UN and other organizations working to ensure the safe and dignified return of refugees to their home country. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals and promote constructive dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Nearly 60,000 Afghan refugees and migrants have crossed the border into Afghanistan since April 1, as part of Pakistan's accelerated deportation plan, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). The deportations are part of a three-phase plan announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in October, aiming to return Afghan nationals to their home country.
Many of the deportees have lived in Pakistan for decades, fleeing conflicts and the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The IOM has assisted over 1 million people returning from Pakistan and Iran, highlighting the significant scale of the refugee crisis. However, the deportations have been met with criticism, with concerns raised about the protection of vulnerable individuals, such as Afghan journalist Freshta Sadid, who holds a valid exit permit but is on the Taliban "hit list".
Pakistan's Head of Mission Ambassador Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani recently met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, where he emphasized the need for Afghan refugees to return to their country, citing Afghanistan's new security dynamics. However, the Afghan FM expressed concern over the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees and mistreatment by Pakistani authorities, which he deemed provocative and harmful to bilateral relations.
The situation highlights the complexities of the refugee crisis and the need for a coordinated approach to address the concerns of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. With over 860,000 Afghans having left Pakistan since September 2023, the international community is watching the situation closely, urging both countries to prioritize the protection and dignity of refugees.