Thousands of Afghans have been forced to leave Pakistan.
Islamabad/Peshawar: The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been very tense for the last few months, may become more bitter. In fact, expressing deep concern over the detention of about 800 Afghan citizens, the Afghanistan Embassy in Islamabad has claimed that due to ambiguity regarding documents, worrying cases of ‘arbitrary detention and deportation’ have come to light. Are. According to the embassy, the 800 Afghans detained also include citizens holding valid visas, Proof of Registration Card (POR) and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC).
Pakistan said, they are expelling illegal immigrants
The Embassy of Afghanistan has said that it is particularly concerned about reports of unnecessary arrests, home searches and extortion of Afghan citizens. “We appeal to the Government of Pakistan to immediately address these serious concerns,” the embassy said in a post on social media platform ‘X’ late on Monday night. On the embassy’s claim, Pakistani officials have said that they are only expelling illegal immigrants. Expressing deep concern over the detention of nearly 800 Afghan nationals in Islamabad, including those holding valid visas, POR and ACC, the embassy post said, “Lack of clarity on conditions for obtaining NOC has led to arbitrary detention and There have been worrying cases of deportation.
Appeal for immediate intervention from human rights organizations
According to reports, 137 of those deported have already applied for renewal of their visas, and this also includes those with temporary SHARP/UNHCR registrations. SHARP, the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid, works with UNHCR in Pakistan. “Such detentions have separated many families, including women and children, many of whom are still stranded in Pakistan,” it said. Urging the Pakistan government to address Afghanistan’s concerns, the embassy said the relevant Pakistani authorities have been informed about the matter. An appeal has also been made to the UNHCR and other human rights organizations for immediate intervention.
Afghans being sent back to their homeland from the end of 2023
From the end of the year 2023, Pakistan had started the process of sending back Afghan refugees, considering them a burden on its economy. In July 2024, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi discussed with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the situation of Afghan refugees who were in uncertainty after Pakistan planned to deport ‘undocumented foreigners’. Sharif appealed to the international community to show collective responsibility to solve the problem of the burden of Afghan refugees. Also, Pakistan has described Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), affiliated with the Afghan Taliban, as a major threat to the country’s security. (Language)
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