Pakistan’s Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Amir Muqam, has called for the support of the international community, the United Nations, and the Kabul administration in repatriating Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan.
According to Dawn newspaper, during his visit to an Afghan refugee camp in Saranan, Qila Abdullah District, Balochistan, Muqam assured refugees that Pakistan would provide “all possible help and assistance” for their honorable return to Afghanistan.
Muqam emphasized his personal visit to the camp was to assess the difficulties faced by Afghan refugees, whose affairs his ministry oversees.
He pointed out that no other country in the world, apart from Pakistan, has allowed refugees to stay without proper documentation for such a long time.
However, reports suggest that even Afghan refugees who possess valid identification cards have been subjected to harassment and forced deportation by the Pakistani police. Despite having legal documentation, many refugees face intimidation and unlawful treatment, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and the safety of these individuals during the deportation process.
While addressing security concerns, Muqam urged the Afghan government to ensure its territory is not used for attacks on other nations, including Pakistan. The Taliban administration has consistently stated that Afghan soil will not be used against any foreign country.
Muqam also accused Afghan immigrants living abroad of spreading “propaganda” against Pakistan, warning that such actions could create additional challenges for Afghan refugees living in the country.
In November last year, Pakistan initiated a crackdown on illegal immigrants, resulting in the departure of hundreds of thousands of Afghans from Pakistan.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan face increasing uncertainty and challenges as the Pakistani government steps up its efforts to repatriate them. Many Afghans have lived in Pakistan for decades, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of forced deportations, especially as Afghanistan continues to experience instability.
The forced return of refugees could exacerbate the plight of vulnerable groups, including women and children, who may face significant hardship upon their return to Afghanistan.
International organizations and the Afghan government need to step up their efforts to ensure a smooth and dignified repatriation process, while addressing the safety and livelihood concerns of those affected.
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