ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan’s Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund in a Pashtu video message on Friday appealed to Pakistan to halt the “undignified” expulsion of Afghan nationals, asking for sufficient time for them to settle affairs.
Earlier, Pakistan had initiated a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, predominantly Afghans, after giving them an ultimatum for voluntary departure by November 1.
With approximately 1.7 million Afghans residing illegally, the government’s four-week notice last month has culminated in forced expulsions.
Prior to this, Afghans, including refugees, reported police harassment and distress sales of belongings, with buyers exploiting their urgency to depart, paying less than the worth of their items.
“We ask them [the government of Pakistan] to not expel Afghans in an undignified manner, to not harass Afghans, and to give them sufficient time so they can return in a dignified manner,” the Afghan prime minister said in a message which was widely reported by media outlets in his country.
“If their [Pakistan’s] reason is to expel undocumented migrants only, then why are they humiliating refugees, stealing their property, and destroying their houses,” he asked.
He accused the Pakistani authorities of allowing their “forces to loot the property of refugees, destroy their houses and shops, and seize their cars and motorbikes.”
Pakistani authorities maintain their deportation drive is not designed to target any specific community, though they have highlighted Afghan links to recent suicide bombings in the country.
Afghanistan’s prime minister implored Pakistan to show neighborly consideration and ponder the long-term consequences, cautioning that current actions could strain future bilateral ties.
He said if Pakistani authorities had any issues with his administration, they should try to resolve them through negotiations.
