The Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has strongly reacted the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, calling the move “contrary to Islamic principles, human rights, and international laws.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said no entity should use migrants as instruments for achieving political objectives. The Taliban also addressed similar actions by Iranian authorities, urging both Pakistan and Iran to halt what it described as the "violence and mistreatment of migrants."
According to the statement, Afghan migrants in Pakistan are being unlawfully detained from their homes, shops, and public spaces, then transferred to prisons before being forcibly expelled. The Taliban further claimed that the assets of Afghan migrants are being confiscated and their household goods seized.
“We urge the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Iran to exercise patience and tolerance when dealing with migrants, and to respect the principles of good neighbourliness, Islamic values, and international law,” the statement read.
The ministry noted that despite the Taliban’s repeated calls for the voluntary repatriation of migrants through a joint mechanism based on mutual understanding and adequate preparation, Pakistan has initiated mass deportations.
The Taliban reiterated that while they are prepared to receive returning Afghan citizens, the ongoing mistreatment of migrants by neighbouring countries is "unacceptable and intolerable."
The group also appealed to international organisations, humanitarian agencies, and Afghan investors to urgently intervene and address the challenges faced by returning migrants.
With the deadline set by Pakistan for the expulsion of undocumented migrants now expired, thousands have been returned to Afghanistan. According to a recent report by the International Organization for Migration, more than 8,000 undocumented migrants and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders were deported through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings in the past two days alone.
