Pakistan threatens to deport Afghan refugees awaiting U.S. resettlement, heightening tensions with Afghanistan. Minister Ishaq Dar stated refugees could face repatriation if resettlement actions are not taken. The political climate is strained further by reports of intensified actions against Afghan refugees in Pakistan following the Taliban’s return to power.
Islamabad is poised to increase tensions with Afghanistan as it threatens to deport thousands of Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in the United States. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, indicated that if resettlement processes remain unfulfilled, these individuals will be considered illegal immigrants and may face repatriation.
Dar asserted, “If a refugee has to be taken by another country after due process but that country refuses to do so, for us, that refugee will be an illegal immigrant in Pakistan.”
The relationship between Kabul and Islamabad has been strained for some time, and such actions may exacerbate the situation further. Recent developments also reveal that Pakistan plans to return human rights advocate Zahra Mousavi, a member of the Afghan women’s justice movement, to Afghanistan, where tensions remain high.
Reports indicate that Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on Afghan refugees, creating an increasingly precarious environment for those who fled conflict. This trend follows the return of the Taliban to power in 2021, which prompted millions of Afghans to seek shelter in Pakistan, leading to significant challenges in 2023 as deportations and human rights abuses have surged.
This article highlights Pakistan’s threatening stance toward the United States concerning Afghan refugees and the potential consequences for bilateral relationships with Afghanistan. Pakistan’s policies indicate a hardline approach to refugee management, which could lead to increased tensions amidst ongoing humanitarian crises. Additionally, human rights activists like Zahra Mousavi’s situation underscores the precarious status of many Afghan individuals seeking safety.
Original Source: www.india.com
