Staff Reporter:
QUETTA: Afghan refugee representatives on Monday expressed deep gratitude to the people, media, and government of Pakistan for decades of support, while urging authorities to reconsider policies that threaten their forced expulsion.
Speaking at a press conference, the refugees highlighted that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans for over 45 years, fostering bonds of brotherhood, shared culture, and Islamic values. They appealed to Islamabad to grant citizenship or long-term residency rights, citing international practices where countries provide nationality to refugees after 10–15 years of stay.
“We humbly request the Government of Pakistan to show goodwill and humanitarian consideration by granting Afghan refugees citizenship or legal status after 45 years of residence,” the representatives said. “Forced mass expulsions not only violate human rights but also undermine mutual respect and brotherly relations.”
The refugees expressed concern over multiple challenges, including:
- Harsh winters and economic hardship making survival increasingly difficult.
- Lack of timely assistance from UNHCR and aid agencies, leaving thousands without adequate relief.
- Unsettled businesses and property matters, requiring time to resolve long-standing financial transactions.
- Disruption to children’s education, as many Afghan students are enrolled in Pakistani schools and universities.
They warned that sudden deportations would devastate the future of students since Afghanistan’s curriculum differs from Pakistan’s, creating long-term academic setbacks.
The representatives also criticized recent actions by police officials, alleging that even children of Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders—families settled in Pakistan for decades—were being detained and deported.
“Children born and raised in Pakistan, who do not even know Afghanistan, are being sent across the border like orphans, leaving parents devastated,” they said.
Calling for compassion, they urged the Pakistani government to allow sufficient time for refugees to resolve their businesses, secure their children’s education, and live with dignity until a sustainable solution is found.
