ISLAMABAD- Nov 1 : The Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s recently announced policy of forcibly deporting Afghan refugees, citing a series of challenges faced by these individuals as they attempt to return to Afghanistan via the Torkham and Chaman border crossings.
Afghan refugees are encountering numerous difficulties in the process, including limited facilities, extensive and rigorous searches of individuals and vehicles, insufficient personnel for refugee registration, and weak systems, among other hindrances. These challenges have compelled thousands of Afghan refugees to leave Pakistan, seeking refuge elsewhere. Additionally, there are growing concerns about the transfer of cash and non-cash assets of refugees, particularly traders, to Afghanistan. The implementation of this policy has inadvertently created an environment where criminal networks have emerged, extorting money from Afghan refugees and subjecting them to harassment under various pretexts.
Moreover, it has come to light that Pakistani authorities have been arresting legal immigrants and confiscating their documents on various grounds. This policy has further resulted in the freezing of bank accounts belonging to documented refugees, as well as orders to landlords not to rent to Afghans in Sindh, leading to numerous similar problems.
The Afghan Embassy has called upon Pakistani authorities to cease the forced deportation and persecution of Afghan refugees promptly. They argue that these actions not only have a detrimental impact on the relationship between the two countries but also urge that individuals be allowed to depart freely.
The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of a growing humanitarian crisis in the region, and its resolution will undoubtedly have significant implications for both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The international community continues to closely monitor the developments surrounding this issue.
