The Taliban urged Pakistan and Iran to slow the return of Afghan refugees, citing Afghanistan’s economic issues. Since 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have returned, with Pakistan deporting a fraction. The Taliban seeks an organized return process and bilateral discussions to safeguard refugee rights. Rights groups highlight severe social and economic conditions back home.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan urged its neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran, to exercise patience regarding the return of Afghan refugees, citing the country’s economic difficulties. Since the end of the U.S.-led war in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been sent back. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister of refugees, met with officials from both Pakistan and Iran to discuss a systematic return process instead of forced deportations.
Due to security concerns, Pakistan initiated a campaign in late 2023 to remove illegal foreign nationals, resulting in over 825,000 Afghan departures. Of these, only approximately 40,000 were officially deported. Pakistan’s January plan includes a phased approach targeting nearly 3 million Afghans, focusing first on those with proper documentation. Meanwhile, Iran has expelled more than 1.8 million Afghans since 2022 and plans to deport an additional 2 million by March 2025.
Kabir emphasized the necessity for both countries to slow down the return of refugees until agreements are established. He stated, “Time should be given to hold bilateral and trilateral meetings in this regard.” Pakistan’s charge d’affaires, Nizamani, asserted that refugees should not be utilized as political instruments, highlighting the interconnected futures of the two nations.
Iran’s ambassador Bekdali advocated for a permanent solution, advocating that refugees within Iran should obtain legal status. Rights groups have urged both Iran and Pakistan to uphold the rights of Afghan refugees and prevent forced returns to a country suffering from economic collapse and social rights restrictions.
The Taliban has requested that Pakistan and Iran adopt a more patient and organized approach regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees, given Afghanistan’s dire economic situation. With millions already returned or expelled, the focus remains on formulating bilateral mechanisms to address refugee rights and avoid forced deportations. It is crucial for the international community and neighboring countries to prioritize the protection of Afghan refugees’ rights amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
