The Taliban called on Pakistan and Iran to manage Afghan refugee returns patiently, highlighting Afghanistan’s economic struggles. With significant numbers of Afghans deported since the end of the U.S.-led war, structured return processes and protection of refugee rights are urgently needed.
On Thursday, the Taliban urged neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran to exercise patience with Afghan refugees, advocating for a structured return process due to Afghanistan’s pressing economic challenges. Since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in August 2021, over 2.7 million Afghans have been returned by both countries. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs, met with Pakistan’s charge d’affaires and Iran’s ambassador to discuss these matters.
In a statement on social media, Kabir conveyed hope that “host countries will exercise patience and forbearance toward refugees.” He emphasized that while the Taliban encourages Afghan refugees to return, an orderly repatriation process is necessary, as current conditions in Afghanistan are not conducive for such a transition.
As part of a drive initiated in late 2023 to remove illegal foreigners, Pakistan has facilitated the departure of over 825,000 Afghans, according to U.N. High Commission for Refugees data. However, only approximately 40,000 have been officially deported. Pakistan has outlined a plan targeting nearly 3 million Afghans, which involves phases for repatriating documented migrants and those awaiting relocation to Western countries.
Pakistan’s government also extended the validity of Proof of Registration cards for Afghan refugees until June 30, 2025, indicating that these individuals will be addressed later in the expulsion plan. On the other hand, Iran deported more than 1.8 million Afghans between 2022 and 2024 due to economic factors, with plans to deport up to 2 million more by March 2025.
Kabir has requested both Iran and Pakistan to decelerate the process of returns until bilateral mechanisms are established, stating that “time should be given to hold bilateral and trilateral meetings in this regard.” Nizamani, Pakistan’s top diplomat in Afghanistan, asserted that refugees are not used as political leverage but rather emphasized the importance of cooperation in solving issues.
Iran’s ambassador Bekdali called for permanent solutions to ensure that undocumented Afghan migrants in Iran receive necessary legal documents. There are ongoing calls from refugee rights organizations and human rights entities urging both Iran and Pakistan to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees and prevent forced returns to Afghanistan, where dire economic conditions persist and basic rights for women are severely restricted.
The recent appeal by the Taliban to Pakistan and Iran to manage the return of Afghan refugees reflects Afghanistan’s dire economic situation and the complexities surrounding repatriation. The high number of deported Afghans and the proposed plans from both countries underscore the need for patience and structured processes to ensure the safe and dignified return of refugees. Continuous dialogue and protective measures for the rights of Afghan migrants remain essential to navigate this humanitarian challenge effectively.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
