KARACHI: The Consul General of Afghanistan in Karachi, Abdul Jabar Takhari, revealed that more than 2.5 million Afghan immigrants are currently residing in Pakistan, of which 300,000 lack legal documentation.
Takhari said that efforts are being made to address the challenges faced by Afghan immigrants in Pakistan. He acknowledged that the Pakistani government is making every possible endeavor to ensure the well-being of Afghan refugees who have been living in the country for decades. The host communities are also actively taking care of Afghan refugees.
“The total number of immigrants with legal documents in Pakistan is 2,106,658,” stated the Afghan Consul General in Karachi.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Aamir Khan, declared that Pakistan is unable to host additional Afghan refugees at present.
Influx of Afghan Refugees to Pakistan
“The humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan necessitates swift international assistance to prevent the prospect of a fresh influx of millions of desperate Afghans seeking refuge from hunger and starvation. Pakistan, already burdened, cannot shoulder any new influx of refugees; they will have to be hosted by other members of the international community,” said Khan.
Experts on migrant rights have emphasized the importance of the current Afghan government providing its people with a stable way of life to deter further migrations.
“The Islamic Emirate should establish the foundation for a stable life to prevent these migrations,” stated Asefa Stanikzi, a women’s rights activist.
According to previous figures provided by the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR), approximately three million Afghans reside in Pakistan, three million in Iran, and one million in other nations. The ongoing situation in Afghanistan necessitates immediate international assistance to address the humanitarian and economic crisis and prevent further displacement of Afghan people.
