Afghan Refugees Claim Pakistani Authorities Seize Their Belongings During Deportation
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Synopsis
Afghan refugees recount traumatic experiences of belongings confiscated by Pakistani authorities during deportation. The situation escalates as Afghanistan's Ministry condemns these actions, urging for the safe return of refugees and support from international organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Afghan refugees report belongings seized during deportation.
- Pakistani police detained refugees despite valid documentation.
- Afghanistan's Ministry condemns forced deportations.
- Calls for international support for returning refugees.
- Many deported individuals left businesses and family behind.
Kabul, April 8 (NationPress) Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan have shared distressing stories of their possessions being seized by Pakistani police during compulsory deportations, further complicating an already painful journey. Following the expiration of the March 31 deadline, thousands of Afghan refugees have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan.
Numerous Afghan refugees, expelled via the Torkham border crossing, reported being detained and sent back despite possessing valid documentation such as visas or residency permits. Many individuals lost personal property during the forced deportation process initiated by Pakistani authorities.
"Our belongings were taken. We were treated unfairly," quoted an Afghan returnee by Afghan media outlet Amu TV.
Simultaneously, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs released a stern statement on Tuesday condemning the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, labeling it a breach of Islamic principles, humanitarian norms, and international regulations.
In its announcement, the ministry underscored that such actions are not only unjust but also harmful to the well-being of Afghan families seeking refuge.
"Afghanistan is preparing for the safe return of these refugees, insisting that they be permitted to reclaim their property and assets," the statement further noted.
Moreover, the Afghan ministry urged international organizations to provide essential support to the refugees during this crisis, emphasizing the necessity for cooperative efforts to ensure their secure and dignified repatriation, as reported by the Afghan state-run Bakhtar News Agency.
Several deported individuals mentioned that they were apprehended by Pakistani police while working and were deported to Afghanistan, leaving behind their businesses and family members.
"I ran a small hotel business in the fruit market. The police raided the place, detained me in Haji Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for four nights, and have now deported me via Torkham," shared Gul Mohammad, an Afghan deportee.
A total of 4,966 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan on Sunday night, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily Dawn, citing an official report.
Officials involved in the repatriation process indicated that as the deportation continued into the late hours, the number of Afghan refugees who departed on Monday would be announced later.
The repatriation has impacted a significant number of Afghans who have resided in Pakistan for decades, including many born there who have never lived in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s deportation policy has faced criticism, with various international organizations denouncing the action. They have expressed concern over the severe risks faced by refugees upon their return amidst uncertainties in Afghanistan. The Pakistani government has dismissed the worries raised by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organizations regarding the mass repatriation of Afghan refugees.
