Taliban Urges Pakistan and Iran for Patient Repatriation of Afghan Refugees
The Taliban has urged Afghanistan’s neighbors, Pakistan and Iran, to facilitate a more organized return for Afghan refugees. Amidst economic issues in Afghanistan, officials are advocating for patience and avoidance of forced deportations. Pakistan has launched a repatriation campaign, while Iran continues its deportations, prompting calls for safeguarding refugee rights.
On Thursday, Taliban officials urged neighboring nations Pakistan and Iran to adopt a more measured approach regarding the return of Afghan refugees, particularly in light of the severe economic difficulties faced by Afghanistan. Since the withdrawal of U.S. forces in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been returned from these countries to Afghanistan.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs, held discussions in Kabul with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani of Pakistan and Alireza Bekdali, Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan. He expressed hope that host nations would show “patience and forbearance” towards Afghan refugees amid ongoing economic challenges.
The Taliban encouraged the return of refugees but emphasized the importance of an organized repatriation process. Kabir stated that due to the lack of favorable conditions in Afghanistan, returns should be voluntary rather than forced deportations, advocating for a phased approach.
In response to security concerns, Pakistan initiated a campaign in late 2023 to expel illegal foreign nationals, leading to over 825,000 Afghans leaving voluntarily. Despite this, only about 40,000 have been formally deported. Pakistan’s plan targets nearly 3 million Afghan individuals and includes various categories of migrants.
Iran has also deported more than 1.8 million Afghans between 2022 and early 2024, contributing to the ongoing challenges faced by returnees. The Iranian government has declared intentions to deport up to 2 million Afghans by March 2025. Kabir called upon both countries to slow down the forced repatriations until a bilateral framework is established.
Pakistan’s envoy, Nizamani, confirmed that refugees should not be manipulated for political ends, emphasizing the interlinked futures of both nations. Iranian ambassador Bekdali advocated for a permanent solution and proper documentation for Afghan migrants in Iran, diagnosing the broader need for addressing refugee rights. Rights organizations have urged both countries to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees, especially given the dire humanitarian situation existing in Afghanistan.
The Taliban have requested Pakistan and Iran to adopt a more considered approach towards the repatriation of Afghan refugees, stressing the need for a structured process due to the economic struggles within Afghanistan. Discussions among officials aim to establish a bilateral mechanism while addressing the rights of returning refugees amidst significant humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
