Pakistan supports continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized its support for continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and the establishment of peace in the country.
Shafqat Ali Khan, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, January 20, praised Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, for his efforts to draw the international community’s attention to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
In a statement, the ministry noted, “It would have been more appropriate if the world had not abandoned the Afghan people after the war and had instead created favorable socio-economic conditions within Afghanistan to help them thrive.”
The ministry further highlighted that Pakistan has hosted approximately four million Afghan refugees for over four decades.
During his visit to Afghanistan, Jan Egeland warned of the global community’s neglect of Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, stating that 22 million people in the country are in need of assistance.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s police have intensified their crackdown on Afghan migrants in Islamabad over recent weeks, creating significant challenges for the refugee population.
This comes amid the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, where many face harassment, extortion, and detention. Reports show that Afghan migrants, including women and children, are arbitrarily detained and subjected to mistreatment and fines. The intensified crackdown in Islamabad and other areas has left refugees in fear, worsening their precarious situation.
In addition to deportations, Afghan refugees are under severe psychological and financial strain. Many struggle with complex legal and administrative challenges. Human rights organizations have voiced concerns about these violations and urged Pakistan to halt its actions. They also called on the global community to protect Afghan refugees’ rights and dignity.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan requires immediate and sustained international attention to address the plight of millions of people in need. Pakistan’s longstanding role in hosting Afghan refugees underscores the shared responsibility of the global community to support the region during this critical time.
To ensure lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan, global powers must prioritize socio-economic development and humanitarian aid within the country. Simultaneously, the rights and dignity of Afghan migrants abroad, particularly in host countries like Pakistan, must be safeguarded to prevent further hardship.
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