Pakistan has threatened to deport Afghan nationals awaiting U.S. resettlement if their cases are not processed timely, escalating tensions with Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that those deemed illegal immigrants will face deportation. Recent actions have seen an increase in arrests and potential deportations of human rights activists and refugees, worsening the plight of Afghans seeking safety after fleeing Taliban rule.
In a recent announcement, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar threatened to deport thousands of Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement in the U.S. if their cases are not addressed promptly. He stated, “If a refugee has to be taken by another country after due process but that country refuses to do so, for us, that refugee will be an illegal immigrant in Pakistan, and he will be sent to his country of origin.” This statement highlights Pakistan’s stance on the matter and indicates potential deteriorations in relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been fraught, and this decision could exacerbate tensions further. Additionally, the Pakistani government intends to send back Zahra Mousavi, a human rights activist currently held by the police in Islamabad, despite warnings from advocacy organizations about the risks involved for Afghan deportees.
Reports indicate that Pakistan has recently increased its actions against Afghan refugees, which include mass arrests under various pretexts. Many Afghans fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, seeking asylum from persecution. However, as of 2023, the situation has worsened significantly, with reports of humiliating treatments and mass expulsions of Afghan migrants.
Pakistan’s threat to deport Afghan refugees marks a critical development in the ongoing refugee crisis. This assertion showcases the heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly under the current geopolitical climate. The fate of many Afghan citizens hangs in the balance as both countries grapple with the consequences of Taliban rule and the broader implications of refugee management. The international community must closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.
Original Source: www.india.com
