Kabul, 5 October 2023 (TDI): The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Refugee Affairs of Afghanistan, Maulvi Abdul Rahman Rashid met with the Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Afghanistan, Leonard Zulu on October 4.
During the meeting, both sides discussed and exchanged views regarding the problems of Afghan immigrants. In this regard, the issue of deportation of Afghan immigrants from Pakistan was highlighted by the Afghan side.
The Afghan side set forth that the government of Pakistan intends to forcefully deport immigrants without documents and has given them about a month or less time.
The Deputy Minister of Refugee Affairs added that within the last 10 to 20 days, about 23,000 migrants have been forcibly deported through the borders of Torkham and Spin Boldak.
In this case, he elaborated that to reach those Afghan immigrants, an Afghan committee consisting of representatives from 6 ministries has been created.
The Afghan side also stated that Pakistan is against the International Law. In welcoming the deportees, the Afghan Minister of Refugee addressed the need for the cooperation of UNHCR.
The Head of the UNHCR to Afghanistan on his part stated that Pakistan should respect the international laws of migration and officials of the commission offices in Pakistan.
He also informed the Afghan side that he has started meetings with the authorities of Pakistan and hopes that good results could be achieved from the negotiations.
Also read: Pakistan responds firmly to Afghan border closure allegations
The Head of UNHCR emphasized that the Pakistani Ministry of Immigrant Affairs & the Commissionerate should have their preparations & measures, and create the facilities & conveniences so that the immigrants can return to their original places with dignity.
He added that in return UNHCR & Afghanistan must work on a joint action plan. He also stressed establishing a technical committee for the transfer and reception of Afghan immigrants so that problems can be overcome with coordination.
Likewise, the Afghan Minister of Refugee Affairs requested a tripartite meeting to solve the problem of forced deportation and requested support from other UN aid agencies as well on this matter.
