The Taliban has requested Pakistan and Iran to adopt a patient and organized approach regarding the return of Afghan refugees, given Afghanistan’s challenging economic conditions. Since August 2021, these countries have returned over 2.7 million Afghans, with recent pressures leading to significant deportations. The Taliban emphasizes the importance of protecting refugee rights amidst ongoing discussions about repatriation and humanitarian needs.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan is urging neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran to adopt a more patient and organized approach regarding the return of Afghan refugees, considering the prevailing economic difficulties in Afghanistan. Since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been returned by these countries.
In a recent meeting, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees, discussed these matters with Pakistan’s charge d’affaires, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, and Iran’s ambassador, Alireza Bekdali. Kabir emphasized the importance of “patience and forbearance” from host nations towards returning refugees, highlighting the lack of favorable conditions in their home country.
The call for cautious repatriation follows a series of deportations after Pakistan initiated a campaign to remove undocumented foreign nationals citing security concerns. Data from the U.N. High Commission for Refugees reveals that out of over 825,000 Afghans who have fled since late 2023, only approximately 40,000 have been forcibly returned.
Pakistan’s recently approved multistage plan includes provisions for repatriating both documented and undocumented Afghan migrants. Notably, the validity of Proof of Registration cards, which extend to June 2025, will be addressed at a later stage within this plan.
In the context of Iran’s response, it has reportedly deported over 1.8 million Afghans from 2022 to 2024, with a goal of expelling up to 2 million more by March 2025, due largely to economic considerations.
Kabir indicated a need for bilateral and trilateral dialogues to establish a more effective return procedure. Meanwhile, diplomats from both Iran and Pakistan have reiterated their intention to ensure that refugees are not used as political leverage, signaling a desire for cooperative problem-solving.
Human rights organizations have consistently urged these countries to protect the rights of Afghan refugees and to refrain from forced repatriation, especially when Afghanistan’s economy is severely struggling and humanitarian aid is critical.
The Taliban’s appeal to Pakistan and Iran highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the repatriation of Afghan refugees amid prevailing economic hardships in Afghanistan. With millions having returned since 2021, the need for organized and humane processes is increasingly critical. Both Pakistan and Iran have been urged to ensure the protection of refugee rights, thereby mitigating the potential for humanitarian crises as conditions in Afghanistan remain dire.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
