Taliban Appeals for Organized Return of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan and Iran

The Taliban urged Pakistan and Iran to be patient with Afghan refugees, advocating for an organized return process due to Afghanistan’s economic struggles. Since the end of the U.S. war, over 2.7 million Afghans have been repatriated, with Pakistan and Iran facing pressure to manage these returns humanely. Human rights organizations emphasize the need for protections and solutions for Afghan nationals amid ongoing deportations.

On Thursday, the Taliban implored neighboring nations, Pakistan and Iran, to exercise patience regarding the return of Afghan refugees, highlighting Afghanistan’s economic difficulties. Since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been repatriated by these countries. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs, met with representatives from both nations to discuss the issue.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Kabir emphasized that “host countries will exercise patience and forbearance toward refugees.” While encouraging Afghan nationals to return home, he urged Pakistan and Iran to implement an orderly return process instead of forced deportations due to the current unsatisfactory conditions in Afghanistan.

In response to security concerns, Pakistan commenced efforts in late 2023 to expel foreign nationals unlawfully residing in the country, leading to over 825,000 Afghans leaving, although only around 40,000 faced deportation. A multistage repatriation plan is in place for close to 3 million Afghan citizens, including documented and undocumented migrants, and those awaiting relocation to Western nations.

This plan includes a phased approach, with the first phase focusing on repatriating documented refugees and undocumented migrants, while Afghans awaiting relocation will be processed by March 31. Pakistan had previously extended the validity of Proof of Registration cards for refugees until June 30, 2025, stating that cardholders will be managed in subsequent phases.

Iran has also deported over 1.8 million Afghans amid economic pressures from 2022 to 2024, with plans to further deport up to 2 million by March 2025. Kabir urged both neighboring countries to slow the return process until effective bilateral agreements are established.

Nizamani, Pakistan’s diplomatic representative, commented on the matter, insisting that refugees are not tools of politics, emphasizing that Pakistan’s future is intertwined with Afghanistan’s stability. Meanwhile, Iranian ambassador Alireza Bekdali called for long-term solutions regarding illegal migrants, aiming to provide necessary legal documentation.

Human rights organizations have continually advocated for the safeguarding of rights for Afghan refugees and migrants, urging that repatriation should not occur under compulsion given Afghanistan’s dire economic situation and severe restrictions on personal liberties for women.

The Taliban’s appeal to Pakistan and Iran emphasizes the need for a patient and organized approach to the return of Afghan refugees amid Afghanistan’s pressing economic challenges. The ongoing repatriation efforts, underscored by both countries’ plans, raise concerns about the protection of Afghan nationals’ rights. With increasing deportations, international human rights organizations stress the importance of ensuring that refugees are not forcibly returned to a nation struggling to provide basic necessities for its citizens.

Original Source: www.voanews.com