Pakistan, home to over 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees, is moving to expel 1.7 million undocumented Afghans. The majority of these people sought refuge following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, while others have been residing in Pakistan since the 1979 Soviet invasion. The move is a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive and humane approach to migration and asylum.
The expulsion threat, announced on October 4th, has led to an Afghan exodus from Pakistan, with the Taliban government reporting that approximately 60,000 Afghans returned between September 23rd and October 22nd.
Although Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch says that the plan is compliant with international norms and principles, serious human rights concerns have been raised about the welfare of the expelled and their families. Many of the expelled Afghans have built lives in Pakistan, marrying Pakistani nationals and raising children who were born in the country. The lack of Pakistani identity documents for these individuals has made them vulnerable to expulsion, despite their deep-rooted ties to the country. This is a poignant reminder of the precariousness of life for those who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and instability.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Taliban government in Afghanistan is ill-prepared to handle such a large influx of returnees. The recent daily returnee figures are reportedly three times higher than normal, putting immense pressure on Afghanistan’s already strained resources. The nation will face stark challenges as it grapples with the consequences of decades of conflict and political upheaval.
This is a situation which calls for urgent international attention and intervention. The world must take note of this unfolding crisis and work towards a solution which respects the rights of these vulnerable people. The Organization for World Peace urges all stakeholders to come together to address this crisis and ensure the Afghan nationals’ safe and dignified return to their homeland.
It is crucial to remember that every individual has the right to a safe and secure life, irrespective of their nationality or immigration status. As we navigate these complex issues, let us not lose sight of our shared humanity and the universal values that bind us together.
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