The Taliban has called on Pakistan and Iran to exhibit patience regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees, advocating for an organized return process due to Afghanistan’s economic difficulties. More than 2.7 million Afghan nationals have returned since August 2021. Recent initiatives in Pakistan have targeted a significant number of Afghans, while Iran also continues to deport large numbers. Discussions highlight the necessity for proper frameworks and the protection of refugee rights.
On Thursday, the Taliban in Afghanistan urged neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran to adopt a more patient approach regarding the return of Afghan nationals. They emphasized the need for a structured process for repatriation, given the significant economic difficulties currently facing Afghanistan.
Since the conclusion of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan and Iran have collectively repatriated over 2.7 million Afghans. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting minister for refugees and repatriation, held discussions with diplomats from both countries in Kabul regarding this pressing issue.
In a statement posted on social media, Kabir expressed a desire for host countries to extend patience and understanding towards Afghan refugees. He noted that while the Islamic Emirate encourages returnees, the current state of Afghanistan necessitates an organized repatriation process rather than involuntary deportations.
Following a recent initiative by Pakistan to remove illegal foreign nationals due to security issues, the UN High Commission for Refugees reported that over 825,000 Afghans had departed Pakistan since late 2023. In total, Pakistan’s strategy targets nearly three million Afghan individuals, incorporating both documented and undocumented migrants.
Meanwhile, Iran has also seen significant expulsions, with over 1.8 million Afghans deported between 2022 and 2024. Iran’s government expressed intentions to expel up to two million Afghans by March 2025, responding largely to economic pressures.
Kabir urged both nations to slow the repatriation process until effective bilateral agreements are established. He advocated for the need for time to conduct meetings centered on this topic. In response, Pakistan’s diplomat Nizamani reiterated that refugees are not to be utilized as political leverage, highlighting the interconnected future of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Additionally, the Iranian ambassador Bekdali called for comprehensive solutions that would ensure undocumented Afghans in Iran obtain necessary legal documentation. Rights advocates have persistently sought assurances from both nations that Afghan refugees are treated with dignity, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan where conditions remain precarious.
The Taliban’s appeal to Iran and Pakistan underscores the urgent need for a humane and organized approach to the repatriation of Afghan nationals. Both Iran and Pakistan have significantly contributed to the challenge by expelling millions of Afghans amidst economic and security concerns. With bilateral talks emphasized, the responsibility falls on both nations to address refugee rights and ensure a viable return process for Afghans amid enduring challenging conditions in their homeland.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
