Taliban Urges Pakistan and Iran to Adopt Patient Policies for Afghan Refugee Returns

The Taliban urged Pakistan and Iran to manage Afghan refugee returns cautiously, highlighting Afghanistan’s economic difficulties. Meeting with diplomatic representatives from both countries, they advocated for organized repatriation rather than forced deportations. Human rights groups continue to call for protections for Afghan refugees, stressing the dire need for supportive conditions before returns are expedited.

On Thursday, the Taliban government in Afghanistan urged neighboring nations, Pakistan and Iran, to adopt a more cautious approach concerning the return of Afghan refugees. The Taliban stressed the need for an organized process for repatriation, given the difficult economic conditions Afghanistan currently faces, as well as the return of over 2.7 million Afghans to their homeland since the end of the U.S.-led war in August 2021.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation affairs, held separate discussions with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, Pakistan’s acting charge d’affaires, and Alireza Bekdali, Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan, in Kabul. In a statement shared via social media, Kabir conveyed hope that host countries would demonstrate patience and flexibility towards Afghan refugees.

The statement from the ministry asserted, “Islamic Emirate encourages Afghan refugees to return to the country,” while simultaneously requesting host nations to consider a structured return process instead of enforcing deportations due to unfavorable conditions in Afghanistan.

Pakistan recently initiated actions to remove illegal foreign nationals, resulting in the departure of over 825,000 Afghans, although only approximately 40,000 were directly deported. A multistage plan approved by Pakistan in January aims to facilitate the return of nearly 3 million Afghan citizens, including both documented and undocumented migrants.

Additionally, Iran has also forcibly deported over 1.8 million Afghans between 2022 and 2024, driven mainly by economic factors. The Iranian government has indicated its plans to deport up to 2 million more Afghans by March 2025. Kabir urged both countries to slow their repatriation processes until appropriate bilateral frameworks are established.

The Pakistani diplomat Nizamani emphasized that refugees should not be utilized as political assets, expressing that Pakistan’s future is integrally tied to Afghanistan and advocating for resolutions reached through mutual understanding. Further, Iranian Ambassador Bekdali underscored the necessity for a permanent solution by ensuring that Afghans in Iran possess proper legal documentation.

Human rights organizations have persistently advocated for the safeguarding of Afghan refugees’ rights, urging that their return to Afghanistan should not be forced under circumstances where the country is grappling with a dire economic crisis, widespread reliance on aid, and significant restrictions on women’s rights.

In conclusion, the Taliban’s call to Pakistan and Iran highlights critical concerns regarding the refugee crisis stemming from Afghanistan’s economic struggles. Emphasizing organized repatriation over forced returns reflects the urgent need for collaboration between these nations. Both Pakistani and Iranian officials have recognized the significance of resolving these issues respectfully; meanwhile, human rights advocates continue to champion the rights of Afghan refugees amid ongoing challenges in their homeland.

Original Source: www.voanews.com