ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Foreign Office affirmed the nation’s enduring commitment to humanitarian principles, highlighting its historic role as a generous host to Afghan refugees for decades. Pakistan has provided shelter, basic necessities, and educational and employment opportunities to Afghan refugees, reflecting its deep bond with the Afghan people.
Addressing recent concerns about immigration policies, the Foreign Office clarified that the measures undertaken, including deportation, are not specific to Afghan refugees alone. Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbass Jilani had also emphasized that the new policy, approved by the cabinet, applies to all individuals residing illegally in the country, regardless of their nationality. The move aims to address security challenges arising from the presence of illegal immigrants, many of whom have been involved in activities posing a threat to Pakistan’s national security, such as smuggling and other illicit operations, the Foreign Office added.
Pakistan Committed to Dignified Return of Afghan Refugees
The Foreign Office stressed that no country allows illegal immigrants to reside within its borders, aligning Pakistan’s policy with international norms to ensure national security. However, Pakistan remains committed to facilitating the voluntary and dignified return of registered Afghan refugees. To achieve this, the international community was urged to play a crucial role in creating conditions conducive for the refugees’ safe return to Afghanistan.
These measures underscore Pakistan’s delicate balance between national security imperatives and its humanitarian obligations, emphasizing the need for cooperation from the global community to support both Pakistan and Afghanistan during these challenging times.
