Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, recently announced that from September 2023 to June 2026, at least 2.4 million migrants have been expelled from this country to Afghanistan.
In a statement released on the occasion of “June 20, World Refugee Day,” Mr. Sharif mentioned that these returns have been carried out gradually, systematically, and with respect for the dignity of the migrants, while global organizations speak of human rights violations and the detention of migrants in this country.
He emphasized, “These figures are not just statistics; they represent the lives of millions of people who found safety, shelter, and livelihood in Pakistan during the most difficult times of their lives.”
The Prime Minister of Pakistan added that hosting and facilitating the return of millions of migrants is a shared responsibility at the global level. A peaceful, stable, and economically capable Afghanistan is essential for the “honorable return” and sustainable integration of Afghan migrants into their country.
It was further stated that Pakistan highly values its cooperation with the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the international community in advancing this common goal.
This comes as Pakistan has intensified the forced expulsion of Afghan migrants following the resurgence of the interim government and tensions between the two sides. According to reports from global organizations, thousands have been detained since September 2023 due to a lack of legal residency documents and presence in the country.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Program has stated on the occasion of “June 20, World Refugee Day,” that Afghanistan is facing one of the largest displacement crises in the world.
On the other hand, Amnesty International has noted on this day that millions of Afghan refugees are being expelled from around the world, and this number is increasing day by day.
According to this organization, in host countries, these refugees face “arbitrary detentions and family separations.”
Amnesty International emphasized that after being forcibly returned to their country, these refugees also encounter human rights violations amid one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world.
World Refugee Day is commemorated annually to honor the courage and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, and violence.
