KABUL: Afghan officials say forced deportations of Afghan migrants from Pakistan could increase amid ongoing reports of mistreatment.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, Mawlavi Saeed Ahmad Banuri, chief of staff at the ministry, raised the concern during a meeting with Venessa Metr Buli, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Banuri said Afghan migrants in Pakistan are facing threats, detention, and violations of their rights, warning that the pace of forced returns may rise further.
“In recent weeks, large numbers of migrants have been returning from neighboring countries under difficult conditions. Pakistan is forcibly deporting them, threatening them, violating their rights, and imprisoning them,” he said, calling for greater preparedness to handle a potential increase in returns.
The meeting also focused on the broader situation of Afghan refugees, existing challenges, and ways to improve services for returnees.
Metr Buli noted that UNHCR plans to increase funding for Afghan migrants and may expand assistance in the coming year based on priorities set by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees.
Thousands of Afghan migrants continue to return from Pakistan daily following deportation, while hundreds are released weekly from Pakistani prisons.
Afghanistan warns of possible surge in forced deportations of Afghans from Pakistan
