By Fidel Rahmati in Khaama Press Online, November 7, 2023
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has accused Pakistan of using the expulsion of immigrants as a means to humiliate Kabul.
Despite expressing their concerns to Pakistani military leaders and foreign affairs officials, no action has been taken to suspend the decision.
Muttaqi believes that Pakistan’s deportation of immigrants is an attempt to exert pressure on Kabul, but he asserts that Afghanistan will not succumb to such pressure.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghan refugees and migrants is unilateral, even though concerns have been shared with both civil and military authorities in Pakistan.
In an interview with the BBC, Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressed his concerns with Pakistan’s unilateral decision to deport Afghan refugees and migrants. Despite sharing their concerns with both civilian and military authorities in Pakistan, the decision to expel these vulnerable populations remains in effect, further straining the already complex relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has raised alarms about the severe problems and dangers faced by a significant number of Afghans forced to leave Pakistan. The situation highlights the challenges and vulnerabilities these returning migrants’ encounter.
Despite the difficulties faced by Afghan immigrants returning from Pakistan, recent statistics indicate a significant flow of people returning to Afghanistan. Approximately 174,000 people have returned through Torkham, Gholam Khan, and Angoor Ada crossings, while another 45,000 have returned via the Chaman-Spinboldak crossings.
The ongoing deportation issue underscores the complex relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the challenges faced by Afghan migrants. It also sheds light on the efforts of international organizations like UNHCR to address the humanitarian concerns arising from these migrations.
https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-pressuring-afghanistan-with-migrant-deportations-muttaqi/
