Taliban Appeals for Patient Refugee Return Process from Pakistan and Iran

The Taliban urged Pakistan and Iran to slow the return of Afghan refugees due to Afghanistan’s economic challenges, following a significant number who returned since the U.S. troop withdrawal. Taliban representatives emphasized the need for an organized process rather than forced deportations, as both countries have initiated repatriation plans. The rights of Afghan refugees remain a key concern, advocating for safety and legal status in host countries.

The Taliban has urged neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran to adopt a more patient approach regarding the return of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the ongoing economic difficulties in Afghanistan. Since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have returned from these countries. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, has held discussions with diplomatic representatives from both nations in Kabul, advocating for a managed return process rather than forced deportation.

According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, since late 2023, over 825,000 Afghans have departed from Pakistan amid a campaign against illegal foreign nationals. Pakistan’s recent plan outlines a multistage approach for repatriating Afghans, targeting nearly three million individuals, including both documented and undocumented migrants. Although 40,000 have been formally deported, the plan calls for a structured removal of Afghans seeking relocation to third countries.

Iran, driven by economic pressures, has also been expelling Afghans, with reports indicating over 1.8 million deportations between 2022 and 2024. Furthermore, Tehran has announced intentions to deport an additional two million Afghans by March 2025. Kabir has emphasized the need for both countries to slow down their deportation processes until adequate bilateral frameworks are established.

Nizamani, Pakistan’s envoy to Afghanistan, reiterated that refugees should not be utilized as political leverage, expressing a desire for resolution through mutual understanding. Meanwhile, Iranian ambassador Bekdali called for efforts to regularize the status of Afghan refugees who remain in Iran. Advocacy groups continuously urge both countries to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees and ensure they are not coerced into returning to Afghanistan amidst its dire economic situation and restrictions on human rights, particularly for women.

In summary, the Taliban has appealed to Pakistan and Iran to consider a gradual and organized return process for Afghan refugees instead of enforced deportations. Given the current economic landscape in Afghanistan, the acting minister stressed the importance of bilateral discussions to create a support system for returning nationals. Both diplomatic representatives have indicated a willingness to approach the refugee crisis through understanding rather than political maneuvering, which underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan returnees. Human rights advocates continue to emphasize the necessity of protecting refugee rights during this transition.

Original Source: www.voanews.com