ISLAMABAD: In response to the Pakistani caretaker government’s decision to deport more than 1 million “illegal immigrants” after the November 1 deadline, the United Nations (UN) emphasized the necessity of ensuring that refugees in Pakistan are allowed to leave the country voluntarily.
Qaisar Khan Afridi, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told Anadolu news agency, “Any refugee return must be voluntary to ensure protection for those seeking safety.” He highlighted that those fleeing oppression often lack the necessary documents and travel permissions, making voluntary departure crucial for their safety.
The announcement comes after Pakistan’s interim government ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghan nationals, to leave the country voluntarily or face expulsion. Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that those without legal documents to stay, including 1.73 million Afghan nationals, must leave by the November 1 deadline, or face deportation. Pakistan has hosted 4.4 million Afghan refugees, a testament to its generosity, over four decades.
UNHCR Acknowledges Pakistan’s Generosity for Hosting Afghan Refugees
The UNHCR spokesperson urged Pakistan to create a plan that protects Afghan nationals with international protection, emphasizing that Islamabad has been hosting refugees generously for more than 40 years.
He also highlighted the UNHCR’s readiness to assist Pakistan in developing mechanisms to manage and register people in need of international protection, addressing their specific vulnerabilities. While acknowledging Pakistan’s role as a longstanding refugee host, Afridi emphasized the need for continued global efforts to match the country’s generosity.
Pakistan, which has received a significant influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979, also contends with militants using Afghan soil to plan attacks inside Pakistan, including those orchestrated by groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The situation underscores the complexity of managing both refugee issues and security concerns in the region.
