Taliban Appeals for Organized Return of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan and Iran
The Taliban has called on Pakistan and Iran to slow the return of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the need for an organized process due to Afghanistan’s ongoing economic difficulties. Over 2.7 million Afghans have returned since August 2021, while Pakistan has initiated campaigns against illegal foreigners and Iran has deported over 1.8 million Afghans amid economic strains. The Taliban urges for gradual repatriation and bilateral discussions to address humanitarian concerns.
On Thursday, the Taliban urged neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran to exercise patience concerning the return of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the dire economic conditions within Afghanistan. Since the withdrawal of U.S. forces in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have returned, however, the Taliban stressed the need for an organized repatriation process rather than forced deportations.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs, held discussions with foreign diplomats in Kabul, including Pakistan’s charge d’affaires and Iran’s ambassador. In statements shared via social media, Kabir expressed hope that host nations would show forbearance towards refugees, pointing out the inadequate conditions that persist in Afghanistan.
Pakistan initiated a campaign to remove illegal foreign nationals in late 2023, resulting in the departure of over 825,000 Afghans, with only approximately 40,000 being formally deported. The country’s multistage plan, effective from January, targets nearly 3 million Afghan citizens, including those with legal status and undocumented migrants. Some Afghan refugees have received extensions on their residency documentation until June 2025.
Moreover, Iranian authorities have deported over 1.8 million Afghans due to economic factors since 2022, with plans to relocate up to 2 million by March 2025. Kabir urged both nations to delay repatriations until a framework for coordination among them is established, indicating the necessity of time for bilateral discussions.
Nizamani, Pakistan’s representative, reaffirmed that Afghan refugees should not be regarded as political instruments, seeking a resolution through understanding rather than coercion. Iran’s ambassador, Bekdali, likewise called for systematic solutions and expressed the intent to provide legal documentation for Afghan refugees in Iran. There remains a call from rights organizations for the protection of Afghan refugees, highlighting the urgency of their situation amid ongoing economic turmoil and human rights challenges within Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s appeal to Pakistan and Iran underscores the complexities surrounding the return of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the necessity for an organized and compassionate approach. As over 2.7 million Afghans have returned since 2021, the socioeconomic landscape calls for patience and preventive measures against forced deportations. Diplomatic dialogue, as emphasized by both Afghan and Iranian officials, is crucial in addressing these urgent humanitarian concerns and facilitating the rights of the displaced individuals.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
