The Taliban urged Pakistan and Iran to handle the return of Afghan refugees with patience and an organized approach, citing economic challenges in Afghanistan. Over 2.7 million Afghans have been returned since August 2021, with discussions focusing on gradual repatriation rather than forced deportation. The Taliban seeks to establish mechanisms for safe returns, emphasizing refugee rights, particularly regarding the economic situation in Afghanistan.
On Thursday, the Taliban communicated with neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran, urging them to proceed cautiously regarding the return of Afghan refugees. The Taliban emphasized the need for an organized process for repatriation due to Afghanistan’s ongoing economic difficulties. Since the end of the U.S.-led war in August 2021, both countries have returned over 2.7 million Afghans to Afghanistan.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the acting minister of refugees and repatriation affairs for the Taliban, held meetings with the chargé d’affaires of Pakistan, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, and Iran’s ambassador, Alireza Bekdali, in Kabul. Kabir expressed on social media the hope that host nations would demonstrate “patience and forbearance” towards Afghan refugees as conditions in Afghanistan remain unfavorable for a swift return.
The Afghan ministry noted that while the Taliban encourages repatriation, the lack of suitable conditions necessitates a structured, gradual return process instead of forced deportations. Recently, amidst a security-driven initiative, Pakistan has repatriated over 825,000 Afghans, with a small fraction being formally deported.
In January, Pakistan established a multistage plan targeting close to three million Afghan citizens, encompassing both documented and undocumented migrants. This phased approach includes returning documented migrants initially, with the aim of clearing those pending relocation to third countries by March 31. Meanwhile, Iran deported approximately 1.8 million Afghans between 2022 and 2024, with plans to continue this process in the coming years.
Kabir highlighted the necessity for Iran and Pakistan to decelerate the repatriation process until appropriate bilateral mechanisms are set up. He stressed that additional time should be afforded to conduct bilateral and trilateral meetings on this matter. Nizamani reassured that Afghanistan’s future is intertwined with that of Pakistan, emphasizing that refugees should not be regarded as political instruments.
Both the Iranian ambassador and refugee rights organizations have called for a permanent solution to ensure the rights of Afghan refugees are upheld. They have urged that migrants in Iran be granted the necessary legal documentation rather than being coerced into returning to a struggling Afghanistan, where many rely on foreign aid and face significant rights limitations.
In conclusion, the Taliban’s call for a measured approach toward the return of Afghan refugees highlights the current economic challenges within Afghanistan. The ongoing dialogues between the Taliban and representatives from Pakistan and Iran underscore the critical need for organized repatriation. Both nations are encouraged to develop solutions that safeguard the rights of Afghan nationals, ensuring they are not forced back into a precarious situation.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
