The Taliban has requested that Pakistan and Iran slow the repatriation of Afghan refugees, stressing the need for an organized process due to Afghanistan’s economic hardships. Since 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans were returned, with Pakistan’s plan targeting nearly 3 million Afghans for repatriation. The Taliban encourages host countries to consider gradual returns rather than forced deportations, as the economic situation in Afghanistan remains dire.
On Thursday, the Taliban government of Afghanistan urged neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran, to adopt a more patient and structured approach toward the return of Afghan refugees. This request comes in light of the ongoing economic difficulties that Afghanistan faces. Both nations have collectively returned over 2.7 million Afghan nationals since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in August 2021.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation affairs, has engaged in discussions with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, the Pakistani charge d’affaires in Afghanistan, and Alireza Bekdali, Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan. Kabir expressed optimism on social media, stating that host countries should extend patience and understanding towards Afghan refugees as they navigate these challenging conditions.
The Taliban’s statement emphasized that while they encourage the return of Afghan refugees, host countries should implement an organized repatriation process instead of resorting to forced deportations due to the lack of conducive conditions within Afghanistan.
Following a crackdown initiated by Pakistan in late 2023 aimed at expelling illegal foreign residents, over 825,000 Afghans have left, though only a small portion—approximately 40,000—have been officially deported. The Pakistani government has introduced a phased plan that targets nearly 3 million Afghan nationals, encompassing both documented and undocumented migrants, as well as those awaiting relocation to Western countries.
Pakistan’s multistage repatriation plan includes the removal of Afghans awaiting third-country relocation by a set deadline. In a proactive move, Pakistan recently extended the validity of Proof of Registration cards for Afghan refugees until June 2025.
From 2022 to 2024, Iran deported over 1.8 million Afghan nationals, largely driven by economic factors. Tehran has made announcements regarding an intention to deport an additional two million Afghans by March 2025.
Minister Kabir has called for a deliberate slowing of the repatriation process until bilateral frameworks are established to manage the returns properly, highlighting the need for time to arrange relevant meetings. Nizamani reassured that refugees are not to be used politically, emphasizing a collaborative approach to resolving related issues.
In addition, Iranian ambassador Bekdali advocated for a permanent resolution concerning Afghan migrants, urging that those living illegally in Iran should be granted necessary legal documentation. None of the comments from the diplomats were confirmed by their respective offices. Advocates for refugee rights continue to urge both Iran and Pakistan to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees and discourage forced repatriations in light of Afghanistan’s precarious economic situation and the ongoing restrictions on the rights of women.
In conclusion, the Taliban has called for patience from Pakistan and Iran regarding the return of Afghan refugees amidst the bleak economic conditions in Afghanistan. The ongoing repatriation efforts highlight significant humanitarian concerns, as both neighboring nations grapple with the complexities involved in handling such vast numbers of returnees. Emphasizing a structured approach, the Taliban aims for organized repatriation procedures to protect the rights of Afghan migrants, compelling the international community to remain engaged in addressing these urgent issues.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
