Afghanistan/Kabul(H.S.): Pakistan has rejected the UN's call to suspend the current deportation of Afghan refugees. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has taken a tough stand and said that there will be no change in the decision of the federal government.
According to Khaama Press report, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters on Friday that there has been no change in the deportation policy and the process will not be postponed. Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi had urged Islamabad to stop deportation, citing the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan's Kunar province.
UN Special Envoy on Human Rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett also appealed to Pakistan to delay the expulsion. In response, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry insisted that while the deportation will continue, the country will maintain a liberal visa policy for Afghans wishing to enter legally.
Pakistan had set a deadline of September 1 for undocumented Afghan refugees and those whose temporary residence permits have expired to voluntarily leave the country. Human rights groups and refugee advocates have repeatedly criticised Pakistan's mass expulsion plan.
Observers have warned that ignoring UN appeals could further strain Pakistan's international relations and worsen the humanitarian crisis for Afghan refugees already displaced by conflict and natural disasters.
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