Islamic Emirate Urges Pakistan to Stop Afghan Refugee Expulsions

The Islamic Emirate has urged neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, to immediately stop the forced return of Afghan refugees.

At a meeting of the High Commission for Refugee Affairs, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, Abdul Salam Hanafi, officials emphasized the need for a coordinated and mutual strategy for the return of Afghan refugees.

Abdulmutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said: “Our request to neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, is to reconsider this decision. A unilateral decision is not in their interest, nor in ours.”

Meanwhile, Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also criticized the Pakistani government’s policy on Afghan refugees, adding that they should not be forcibly expelled.

Speaking at a press conference, Gandapur warned that Pakistan’s mistreatment of Afghan refugees has strained relations with Kabul.

“These misguided policies have fueled hatred and brought us to this point. I completely oppose this policy. Until proper conditions are provided for them, and unless they voluntarily choose to leave, they should not be forcibly expelled,” he said.

On the other hand, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan has rejected the caretaker Afghan government’s request to extend the stay of Afghan refugees. The government has reaffirmed its plan to deport all undocumented Afghan refugees and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders after the deadline.

“Official sources told The Express Tribune on Sunday that the Pakistani decision was final and there would be no relaxation. Sources said relevant authorities and all the four provinces have been given instructions to make appropriate arrangements for the return of Afghan refugees.” The report reads.

Abdullah Shadman, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, highlighted the difficulties facing Afghan families: “Many of them have lived here for 40 to 50 years. Generations were born and raised here, and their children are in schools and universities. It is extremely difficult for them to leave everything behind and go.”

Efforts to prevent the forced deportation of Afghan refugees come as Pakistan has set March 31 as the deadline for undocumented Afghan nationals and ACC cardholders to leave the country voluntarily.