Pakistan: Deported Afghan Refugees Did Not Have Legal Documents

Pakistan’s foreign ministry stated that Afghan refugees deported from the country were individuals without legal documentation.

This response comes amid widespread criticism of the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign ministry accused the international community of failing to fulfill its responsibilities regarding Afghanistan.

Part of the statement reads: “Progress in processing the cases of thousands of Afghan refugees who have been promised resettlement in Western countries has been painfully slow.”

Most Afghan refugees in Pakistan have cases for transfer to foreign countries and are awaiting resettlement, but foreign countries and the Afghan government have not taken the necessary steps in this regard,” said Ehsanullah Ahmadzai, a migrant rights activist.

Meanwhile, some Afghan refugees in Pakistan have criticized the ongoing arrests and deportation process.

“Negotiations between the Afghan embassy in Islamabad and the UNHCR with the Pakistani government regarding the deportation of Afghan refugees have so far been fruitless,” said Atiqullah Mansoor, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.

Saadullah, another Afghan refugee in Pakistan, said: “Our residence cards have expired, and we are facing serious problems from the police.”

Migrant rights activists emphasize the need for diplomatic talks to resolve the challenges facing Afghan refugees.

“Afghan refugees in neighboring countries face many challenges, and diplomatic talks between Afghanistan, host countries, and international organizations are essential to address them,” said Asifa Stanikzai, a migrant rights activist.