Afghanistan Wants Gradual Repatriation Under Joint Mechanism: Spokesperson
Mufti Abdul Matlib Haqqani, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, has stated that the return of Afghan refugees is the official policy of the Afghan government. However, this process should be conducted gradually and with dignity under a joint mechanism with Pakistan.
Speaking to the Taliban’s Hurriyat Radio, he said, “If Pakistan unilaterally deports refugees, we are fully prepared to receive them.”
In 2023, Pakistan launched the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” to deport undocumented foreign nationals, most of whom are Afghans.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have expressed concerns over Pakistan’s decision, particularly regarding Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in the US and other countries.
