The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has stated that reports suggesting the suspension of deportations of undocumented Afghan migrants from the country are incorrect, and the process of expelling these migrants continues as before.
Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, announced the continuation of deportations of undocumented Afghan migrants from the country in a message to Radio Mashal, the Pashto-language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, on Wednesday, July 10th.
She emphasized that Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, did not reach an agreement with Pakistani authorities regarding the migrants during his visit.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has announced the extension of residency permits for 1.45 million Afghan migrants holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for one year in the country.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, had previously traveled to Pakistan for discussions on the “suspension of illegal migrant deportations” during his three-day visit.
He appreciated extending the stay for Afghan migrants in Pakistan, stating, “I received a warm welcome following my visit to Pakistan, where I learned that Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan migrants have been extended for one year. It is pleasing that Pakistan’s tradition of hospitality continues. As discussed with the government, we must now focus on solutions and sustainable support.”
According to reports, since the initiation of the deportation process of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, approximately 600,000 individuals have returned to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, despite international discussions and varying reports, Pakistan has reaffirmed its stance on continuing the deportation process of undocumented Afghan migrants while also extending legal residency for a significant number of Afghan refugees currently residing in the country.
The situation underscores ongoing efforts to manage migration issues within the framework of national and international policies.
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