PNN – Pakistan announced that from now on, Afghan citizens will only be able to enter the country with valid documents and visa under the “single document” scheme, and the process of deporting undocumented asylum seekers will continue.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the National Commission for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan announced that at least 1.3 million Afghans have been deported from the country since the start of the deportation process.
Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, Secretary of the Pakistani Parliament, also told the country’s parliamentarians that about three million Afghans are currently residing in Pakistan.
He added that from now on, only Afghans who enter Pakistan for medical treatment, education, and business purposes with valid documents and visas under the “single document” scheme will be allowed to enter.
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Earlier, Pakistani Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry had announced a deadline of June 30 for the voluntary departure of Afghan refugees with POR cards (registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). After this date, the formal deportation process will begin.
The Pakistani interior minister emphasized that Afghan refugees have been “guests” of Pakistan until this date and should then be returned to their country “with full dignity and respect.”
Meanwhile, Qaiser Afridi, spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Pakistan, also warned that the return of Afghan refugees should be voluntary and not forced.
He added that many Afghan refugees, including civil society activists, musicians, and professionals, may face danger and difficulties in Afghanistan.
Afridi also noted receiving complaints that Pakistani security forces have also detained and deported refugees with legal documents.