A public gathering was held in Nangarhar province to support Afghans who have been forcibly deported from Pakistan.
Participants in the meeting condemned the mistreatment of Afghan refugees by the Pakistani government and called for the facilitation of voluntary repatriation for these migrants.
Shamsul Haq, a tribal elder, stated: “What they have begun against Afghan refugees in Pakistan today is neither Islamic, nor lawful, nor Afghan, nor Pakistani. I do not understand the mindset with which they have initiated this.”
Sayed Jehan Jahani, another tribal elder, said: “We call on international organizations working in the refugee sector to urgently stop these injustices, violations, and tragedies.”
Meanwhile, tribal leaders criticized the global community’s silence in response to the Pakistani government’s mistreatment and exploitation of Afghan migrants.
Sardarwali Ghrowal, a tribal elder, remarked: “We are human beings. We are Afghans. We have the right to live in this world. We went to Pakistan out of necessity. Everyone knew that — even the international community was aware of it.”
Rahmatullah, a resident of Nangarhar, asked: “Why are global organizations silent about Pakistan’s actions? How much oppression is being inflicted on Afghan migrants there?”
Participants emphasized that Afghans who have been forcibly deported from Pakistan face serious challenges and called on authorities and aid agencies to address their situation urgently.
Tawos Khan Hemat Akhundzada, a tribal elder, said: “If the major Qosh Tepa Canal project launched by the Islamic Emirate is allocated to returnees and land is provided to them, it will both encourage migrants and help develop the country.”
Haider Khan, another tribal elder, proposed: “Let us establish a relief fund and use it to provide resources for returning Afghans and resettle them in suitable locations.”
In a five-point resolution, the participants also called on the caretaker government, aid agencies, and national businessmen to not only provide initial humanitarian aid, but also ensure shelter and permanent employment for the forcibly deported migrants from Pakistan.