Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, told the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan that the second phase of expelling Afghan refugees from Pakistan will begin soon.
He also stated that no one would be allowed to remain in Pakistan without a visa or legal documents.
The Interior Minister emphasized the importance of the role of the UN and the international community in facilitating the return of Afghan refugees to their home country.
“Mo Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for decades. He said the phase wise repatriation of illegal foreigners has already begun. He added that no action is being taken against individuals holding legal documents and made it clear that no one can be allowed to stay in Pakistan without visa or other legal documents. He said the second phase of the repatriation of Afghan refugees will be started soon.” Reads part of the statement of Pakistan’s Interior Ministry.
“I don’t think Pakistan will do this unilaterally. In my opinion, and based on what we’ve been told, UNHCR, Pakistan, and the Afghan government will coordinate.” Said Tahir Khan, a Pakistani Journalist.
According to this statement, Indrika Ratwatte, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Afghanistan, said that the UN is closely working with the Afghan government for the return of Pakistan-based Afghans.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, citing its sources, reported that in the second phase of the expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, those who have the Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) will also be deported.
“Our request is that a suitable living environment is created for Afghan refugees in Afghanistan before any discussion on this matter.” Said Ehsan Ahmadzai, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.
“We urge the Pakistani government to act with responsibility and mutual understanding and not expel Afghan refugees from Pakistan.” Siad Ibrahim Danish, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan in Islamabad has stated that it has not yet been officially informed about the start of the second phase of Afghan refugee expulsions.
Sardar Ahmad Shaqib, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy in Islamabad, said: “So far, we have not been officially informed by the Pakistani government regarding the expulsion of refugees. They have always stated that those living in Pakistan without legal documents will be expelled.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation of the Islamic Emirate recently announced that it has proposed a trilateral meeting with the UN and the Pakistani government in Islamabad to address the challenges faced by Afghan refugees.