Abdul Latif Nazari, Taliban’s Deputy Minister of Economy, has strongly criticised Iran over its treatment of Afghan migrants, warning that ongoing deportations and abuses could damage relations between Kabul and Tehran.
In an interview with Shamshad TV on Wednesday, Nazari condemned what he described as “insults, humiliation, disrespect, and rising anti-Afghan sentiment” in Iran. He said the forced deportations, along with reported harassment and mistreatment, constitute clear violations of international law.
Nazari called on Iranian authorities to halt such practices and to respect the human dignity of Afghan nationals residing in the country. He argued that Afghan migrants deserve the same rights and protections that Iranian citizens enjoy in countries such as the United States and Canada.
He further noted that while many Afghans fled to Iran due to war and insecurity, Iranians who migrate to Western countries often do so in pursuit of economic opportunities, and yet are afforded protection under the law. He questioned the disparity, particularly as Iran frequently refers to such Western nations as “un-Islamic.”
Nazari emphasised that no country, under Islamic, humanitarian, or international legal principles, has the right to subject migrants to degrading treatment.
Referring to the longstanding cultural and historical ties between the two nations, Nazari said that violations of migrant rights, including property confiscation, withheld rental deposits, unpaid wages, and rising hostility, undermine bilateral relations and fuel public anger in Afghanistan.
He stressed that good-neighbourly relations require Iran to end such behaviour and uphold the dignity of migrants.
His comments follow earlier remarks by the Taliban’s acting prime minister, Hasan Akhund, who urged Iranian officials to deport individuals with dignity and in accordance with the principles of gradualism and good neighbourliness. Akhund warned that humiliating treatment only fuels resentment and animosity between the peoples of the two countries.
In recent weeks, Iran has deported hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants in a wave of mass expulsions that observers have described as unprecedented in scale. The actions have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.
