[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]
United Nations expressed its opposition to a set deadline aimed at expelling over one million individuals categorized as “illegal immigrants” from the country. The UN emphasized the importance of ensuring that any return should be voluntary and free from pressure.
Qaisar Khan Afridi, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), conveyed this stance, stating, “For the protection of those seeking safety, any potential refugee return should be entirely voluntary and devoid of any external pressure.” Afridi made these comments to Anadolu news agency.
On the same day, Pakistan issued a one-month ultimatum for all “illegal immigrants” to depart the country by November 1. In response, Afridi expressed concern over reports indicating a plan to deport undocumented Afghans and called for clarification from government authorities.
Also Read: Govt Sets Nov 1 Deadline for Illegal Immigrants to Leave Pakistan
Afridi also appealed to Islamabad, recognizing its longstanding history of generously hosting refugees for over four decades, to establish a mechanism that safeguards Afghans with international protection from deportation. He highlighted the fact that individuals fleeing persecution often lack the necessary documentation and travel permissions.
Furthermore, Afridi affirmed that UNHCR is prepared to assist Pakistan in creating a system to manage and register individuals in need of international protection on its soil while addressing their specific vulnerabilities. He praised Pakistan’s role as a generous host of refugees, acknowledging its global recognition, but also emphasized the need for continued efforts to match this generosity.
Also Read: Potential Impacts on Economy Over Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants in Pakistan
In the meantime, Afghanistan’s embassy in Islamabad condemned the crackdown, describing it as “harassment.” In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the embassy reported that more than 1,000 Afghans had been detained in the past two weeks, with half of them having a legitimate right to be in Pakistan. They expressed disappointment in the ongoing arrests and harassment of Afghan refugees by Pakistani authorities, despite promises to the contrary.
According to the most recent UN statistics, approximately 1.3 million Afghans held the status of registered refugees, while an additional 880,000 had legal permission to reside in Pakistan. Police records revealed that since early September, at least 700 Afghans had been apprehended in Karachi alone, with hundreds more detained in other cities.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
