Synopsis
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's CM has denounced the Pakistani government's deportation policy for Afghan refugees as faulty, asserting no forceful deportations will occur. This stance contrasts with ongoing operations in other regions to expel refugees amidst international calls for humane treatment.Key Takeaways
- K-P province rejects forced deportation of Afghan refugees.
- Federal policy criticized as fundamentally flawed.
- Intensified operations in Rawalpindi and Karachi.
- UNHCR raises concerns over deportation risks.
- Afghan government calls for humane treatment of refugees.
Islamabad, April 5 (NationPress) The province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) in Pakistan has declared that no Afghan refugee will be deported "forcefully" from its territory, criticizing the government's deportation policy as "faulty."
This announcement follows the initiation of operations in other regions to expel refugees based on a government directive.
Pakistan had set a deadline of March 31 for refugees, including those holding Afghan Citizen Cards, to return to Afghanistan, warning that those who stay past the deadline would be subject to forced deportation, according to local media reports.
During a press conference on Friday in Islamabad, Ali Amin Gandapur, the K-P Chief Minister and member of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), reaffirmed his government’s commitment against involuntary deportations.
"We will not force anyone. However, if someone wishes to return to their country voluntarily, we will facilitate that. The federal government's stance on Afghan refugees is faulty," Gandapur stated.
He further criticized the federal authorities, asserting that while the Foreign Office is engaging in discussions with Afghanistan, the central policy regarding Afghan refugees is fundamentally flawed.
In contrast, the federal government has intensified operations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, detaining around 60 Afghan migrants.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, city officials and law enforcement initiated the forced repatriation of approximately 16,138 Afghan Citizen Card holders on Friday, detaining over 150 Afghans, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Despite appeals from the international community to extend the deadline, Pakistan's authorities remain steadfast. The government has also disregarded concerns from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organizations regarding the mass deportation of Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers.
Recently, Qaiser Khan Afridi, a spokesperson for the UNHCR, expressed the agency's concerns to Dawn, stating that among the Afghan Citizen Cardholders, there may be individuals in need of international protection.
"In that context, we urge the government to view their situation through a humanitarian lens. We also call for collaboration between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ensure that returns are dignified and voluntary," Afridi added.
Earlier this week, the Afghan Taliban government appealed to Islamabad to refrain from deporting Afghan nationals.
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, Afghanistan's Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, requested neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Iran, to suspend these deportations and permit Afghans to return home voluntarily.
He highlighted the need for humane treatment of refugees, especially given reports of mistreatment of Afghan nationals by bordering nations, including cases where individuals with valid visas were also deported, as reported by the Afghan state-run Bakhtar News Agency.
K-P is home to the largest population of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, with Peshawar hosting the highest number. Many of these refugees have been residing in the province for decades, engaged in various businesses and sectors.
The deportation policy has drawn significant criticism, with numerous international organizations condemning the actions. They have voiced concerns over the severe risks refugees face upon their return amid the unstable conditions in Afghanistan.
