Pakistan's forced expulsion of Afghan refugees sparks global reactions

Kabul [Afghanistan]: Pakistan's move to forcefully expel foreign migrants, including illegal Afghan refugees, has sparked international reactions in recent days, TOLO News reported.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller reacted to the forced deportation of Afghans and asked Pakistan to uphold its obligations in the treatment of refugees and respect the principle of non-refoulement.

"So we join all of our partners in urging every state, including Pakistan, to uphold their respective obligations in their treatment of refugees and asylum (seekers), and to respect the principle of non-refoulement. We strongly encourage Afghanistan's neighbours, including Pakistan, to allow entry for Afghans seeking international protection and to coordinate with international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance," Miller said at a press conference.

Moreover, the United Nations also expressed concern, saying, that the organization is concerned about the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, according to TOLO News.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said, "We are very concerned about this forced movement of people, many of whom are very likely refugees to a country that by most accounts isn't ready to welcome them back, in a sense; and given the state of not only the humanitarian situation, but of course, first and foremost, the human rights situation. But, I know this is an issue that our colleagues in UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations are engaging with the Pakistani authorities."

Meanwhile, the consulate of the Islamic Emirate in Karachi highlighted that the Sindh government has called on the police to not harass those Afghans who have POR, ACC and Passport.

"The government of Sindh has issued a letter to the Sindh Ministry of Interior calling on police to not harass those Afghans who have POR, ACC and Passport," said Abdul Jabar Takhari, consulate of Islamic Emirate in Karachi.

(ANI)