Pakistan's Mistreatment of Afghan Refugees: Calls for Action Grow Amid Growing Tensions

Amidst ongoing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, Afghan refugees in Pakistan have raised concerns about mistreatment by the country's police. According to reports, the Pakistani police have arbitrarily detained around 100 refugees in Karachi, imposing heavy fines and using the pretext of illegal migration as justification for their actions. The Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has called on hosting countries to observe the international rights of Afghan refugees and treat them with humane behavior based on international laws.

However, refugee rights activists believe that Pakistan is using Afghan refugees as an economic and political tool and have called on the Taliban to engage in talks with hosting nations and the international community to address this issue. There are nearly three million Afghans residing in Pakistan, and the Pakistani government, represented by Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, has expressed the need to return Afghan refugees to their home country. Pakistan has formed a plan, with confirmation from its strategic forces, to repatriate illegal refugees to their respective nations.

Bugti has also highlighted that a recent attack by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was launched from Afghanistan, and further investigations are underway to determine the involvement of Afghan nationals. Bugti called on the Taliban to adhere to the Doha agreement, which prohibits the use of Afghan soil for any hostile activities against other countries. The mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has been an ongoing issue for years, with delays in immigration cases and allegations of mistreatment by the Pakistan military.

Tragically, the lack of attention from the international community has led to the loss of lives, including that of Maryam Sadat, an Afghan citizen who died by suicide in Islamabad. Mir Ahmad Rauf, the head of the Council of Afghan Immigrants in Pakistan, has urged for immediate action and criticized the false promises made by immigrant-receiving countries. Journalist Zahir Bahand has highlighted the mental health struggles faced by Afghan immigrants, warning that without attention from the international community, a humanitarian disaster may occur in Pakistan.

Additionally, some Afghan immigrants have reported mistreatment by the Pakistani military, especially among those without valid immigration cards who are being detained. Malik Awal Khan Miakhail, the head of migrants in the South Zone Council, has emphasized that this lack of documentation is causing numerous problems for the immigrants, leading to their detention by the military. It is imperative for both Afghanistan and the international community to address the mistreatment and challenges faced by Afghan refugees. Efforts must be made to ensure their protection, rights, and proper support systems. Talks between the Taliban, hosting nations, and international organizations should be initiated to find a comprehensive solution to the refugee crisis and prevent any further loss of life.