Pakistan has threatened to deport Afghan nationals awaiting US resettlement if their cases are not processed timely. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated these refugees would be considered illegal immigrants in Pakistan. The matter is complicated by President Trump’s executive order regarding refugee admissions, and reports highlight ongoing oppression of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Islamabad: Pakistan has issued a warning indicating it may deport thousands of Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement in the United States if their applications are not processed in a timely manner. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated, “If a refugee has to be taken by another country after due process but that country refuses to do so, for us, that refugee will be an illegal immigrant in Pakistan.” This news comes amid already strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
The escalation of tensions is particularly concerning following President Trump’s recent executive order, which suspended the US refugee admissions program unless it aligns with American interests. Afghan officials have yet to respond to Minister Dar’s statements, heightening international concern regarding the welfare of Afghan refugees.
In addition to potential deportations, the Pakistani government is reportedly planning to return Zahra Mousavi, a human rights advocate and Afghan women’s justice movement member, to Afghanistan, where she is currently detained. This situation illustrates the increasing pressure and troubling actions taken against Afghan refugees within Pakistan.
For years, Afghan citizens have sought refuge in Pakistan due to ongoing conflict in their homeland. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, millions of Afghans have fled to Pakistan, fearing persecution. However, 2023 has seen a marked increase in allegations of human rights abuses against these refugees, including mass expulsions by Pakistani authorities.
In summary, Pakistan’s threat to deport Afghan refugees indicates a dramatic escalation in its immigration policies amidst strained bilateral relations with Afghanistan. The situation is exacerbated by President Trump’s executive order restricting refugee admissions. With reports of increased persecution of Afghan refugees, the humanitarian implications of Pakistan’s actions draw significant concern from the international community. The fate of these vulnerable individuals remains uncertain as tensions rise.
Original Source: www.india.com
