Complaints of Afghan Refugees Rise Over Mistreatment in Iran, Pakistan

With the continued detention and forced deportation of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries, a number of Afghan migrants in Pakistan and Iran report facing various challenges in these countries.

They have criticized the Pakistani police for mistreatment and claim that their belongings are being confiscated, with only a small portion returned to them.

According to the refugees, the short deadline set for deportation has caused severe financial losses, as many were unable to wrap up their business and work activities in such a limited time.

Malak Shinwari, another Afghan refugee in Pakistan, said: “In Punjab, Karachi, and Sindh provinces, Afghan refugees are truly facing serious problems. Police raid their homes, seize their belongings, and return only a small part.”

Atiqullah Mansoor, also a refugee in Pakistan, stated: “The short-term deadline imposed by the Pakistani government has inflicted severe economic damage on Afghan refugees, as they couldn’t organize and wind up their business and work activities in time.”

Afghan refugees in Iran also say that the Iranian police deport them in a harsh and disrespectful manner.

Habibullah, an Afghan refugee in Iran, said: “The Iranian government has implemented strict measures, and people are now working secretly and informally.”

Enayat Alokozai, another Afghan refugee in Iran, said: “Unfortunately, neither the Afghan government nor international organizations have been able to reach an appropriate and convincing solution for the Afghan refugee situation in Iran or come to any agreement with the Iranian government.”

Previously, the UNHCR has called on both Iran and Pakistan to treat Afghan refugees in a humane and dignified manner.