The Taliban urged Pakistan and Iran to manage the return of Afghan refugees thoughtfully amid economic challenges in Afghanistan, noting more than 2.7 million Afghans returned since August 2021. Meetings between Taliban officials and foreign diplomats emphasized the need for an organized repatriation process and the protection of refugees’ rights.
On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Taliban urged neighboring countries, Pakistan and Iran, to adopt a patient, organized approach in handling Afghan refugees amid the country’s dire economic situation. Since the conclusion of the 20-year U.S.-led conflict in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been repatriated by these nations.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, held separate meetings with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani of Pakistan and Alireza Bekdali of Iran in Kabul. Kabir conveyed his hope via social media that host countries would show forbearance towards Afghan refugees, stating, “Islamic Emirate encourages Afghan refugees to return to the country… but due to lack of conditions at home, host countries should consider organized return processes instead of forced deportation.”
Following Pakistan’s initiative in late 2023 to expel illegal foreign nationals, over 825,000 Afghans reportedly departed, based on U.N. High Commission for Refugees data. However, only around 40,000 of these individuals were formally deported according to the government’s plan targeting about 3 million Afghans, including both legal and illegal residents.
In January, Pakistan implemented a phased plan for repatriating documented refugees while extending the validity of Proof of Registration (POR) cards for Afghan refugees until June 30, 2025. Notably, Pakistan’s agenda seeks to address the removal of Afghans awaiting relocation to third countries by March 31.
Iran has also significantly reduced its Afghan refugee population, deporting over 1.8 million between 2022 and 2024, primarily due to economic challenges. The Iranian government aims to deport up to 2 million Afghans by March 2025, as recently declared.
Kabir urged both nations to decelerate the repatriation process until comprehensive bilateral mechanisms are established, stressing the necessity for time to facilitate these discussions. Nizamani reaffirmed that Afghan refugees should not be used as political leverage and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to resolving issues through diplomatic engagement.
In alignment with this sentiment, Iranian ambassador Bekdali expressed the need for a lasting solution, calling for legal documentation for Afghan migrants residing in Iran. Human rights organizations have continually advocated for protecting the rights of Afghan refugees, warning against forced returns to Afghanistan, where the humanitarian situation remains severely precarious, particularly for women.
In summary, the Taliban’s call for Pakistan and Iran to adopt a careful and organized approach regarding Afghan refugees underscores the necessity of considering the complex economic challenges in Afghanistan. Both countries are urged to facilitate a humane process for repatriation rather than implementing immediate deportations. Ongoing diplomatic dialogue between the nations is essential to develop effective mechanisms to ensure the safety and rights of Afghan nationals.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
