INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Afghanistan&s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has voiced concern over the treatment being meted out to Afghan refugees by neighboring
countries, stating that Pakistan and Iran are not abiding by international laws pertaining to refugees.
According to a statement issued by
the ministry, &Afghan refugees are being subjected to violence, their property is being looted, and their household goods are being
confiscated, which is against all Islamic and human principles and international laws.&
The ministry stated that Afghan refugees are also
being illegally arrested in their homes, shops, and markets in Pakistan, and then taken to prison before being forcibly deported.
The
ministry also urged Pakistan to end the violence and mistreatment of Afghan refugees and not use refugees as tools for its own political
goals.
&All refugees should be allowed to take their wealth, belongings, and household items back to their country,& the statement
read.
The ministry also called on international organizations and aid agencies to pay special attention to solving the problems of Afghan
refugees and provide them with urgent assistance in Afghanistan.
In addition, the ministry said the refugees should not face oppression,
coercion, or violence once they return to Afghanistan.
&Afghanistan&s wealthy people and investors are also expected to once again help
Afghan refugees based on their Islamic and human feelings and brotherhood, as they have done in the past; ordinary Afghans should welcome
their refugee brothers and sisters with open arms and do everything they can to help them.&
In 2023, Pakistan started a campaign to deport
approximately four million Afghans who have entered the country over the past 40 years.
Last year, the authorities granted some leeway but
Pakistan&s government then set a March 31 deadline to expel foreign nationals living in the country illegally
Islamabad did however push this deadline out a few days in light of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Islamic Emirate said it has tried to put plans in place
to accommodate an influx of refugees from Pakistan but stressed that any mistreatment of the refugees was unacceptable.
The post Ministry of
Refugees slams neighboring countries for mistreatment and forced removals of Afghans first appeared on TINS News.
