Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has voiced deep concern over the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and reports of their property being confiscated during the process.
Karzai urged the Pakistani government to treat Afghan refugees in accordance with the principles of good neighbourliness and established international norms. His remarks follow the onset of a second wave of deportations of undocumented Afghan migrants from Pakistan.
Reports indicate that many deported refugees are being denied the opportunity to take their personal belongings with them, with assets and property allegedly seized during the expulsions.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Karzai called on international organisations, Afghan business leaders, and traders to support the return and resettlement of the refugees. He also highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying causes of migration, particularly the ongoing ban on girls’ education beyond primary school and at university level.
“All causes of migration from the country, especially the ban on girls’ education in high schools and universities, must be eliminated so that no one is forced to leave their homeland and Afghan refugees can return home with joy,” Karzai wrote.
Since the beginning of the latest phase of deportations, tens of thousands of Afghan refugees have reportedly been returned via the Torkham border crossing.
The Taliban’s Minister of Public Health also recently commented on the situation, criticising the treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan. He said many were facing harassment and the unlawful seizure of their possessions.
