Muttaqi voices concern at Afghans’ mistreatment in Pakistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi has expressed deep concern over the forced deportation and inappropriate treatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, calling for an immediate end to the ongoing crackdown.

He issued the call at a meeting with Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, the Pakistani Ambassador in Kabul on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.

A statement from the ministry noted that the two sides discussed political and economic matters between Kabul and Islamabad.

“The Foreign Minister expressed his regret regarding the forced deportations and the inappropriate treatment faced by Afghan refugees at the hands of certain authorities,” the statement said. “He described the mistreatment as provocative and detrimental to bilateral relations, urging a change in approach.”

In response, the Pakistani Ambassador said he understood the concerns of the Islamic Emirate and would raise the matter with the relevant authorities in Pakistan.

Both sides also underlined the need for effective reciprocal measures and highlighted the importance of continued high-level exchanges between delegations.

The deadline for undocumented Afghan refugees to leave Pakistan expired on March31.

Reports suggest that since then, approximately 40,000 Afghans have been forcibly expelled from the country.

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