The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has proposed a trilateral meeting with the United Nations and the Government of Pakistan to address the challenges faced by Afghan refugees. This proposal has been formally submitted to Islamabad.
Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the meeting would primarily focus on resolving the issues encountered by Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
“We have requested Pakistan to hold a trilateral meeting with us and UNHCR. The meeting will discuss the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan, potential solutions, and the provision of facilities for those Afghans who wish to voluntarily return to their country,” Haqqani explained.
Meanwhile, some Pakistani media outlets, citing a United Nations official, have reported that the government of Pakistan is currently considering the Islamic Emirate’s request to hold this meeting.
Asifa Stanikzai, a refugee rights activist, told TOLOnews: “Such meetings can be effective if they incorporate a long-term vision and strategic plan. Additionally, there should be a system in place for granting asylum to these refugees.”
However, some Afghan refugees in Pakistan said they are facing various challenges, including the threat of deportation and neglect by international organizations. They have called for these issues to be addressed.
Atiqullah Mansoor, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, told TOLOnews: “The problems faced by refugees include the fear of forced deportation by the Pakistani government, lack of attention from international agencies and host countries regarding their asylum cases, and visa issues.”
Previously, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations had expressed hope that 1.5 million registered Afghan refugees would soon be repatriated to their country with financial support from the United Nations.
SOURCE: TOLO News
