Imran Khan calls for humane treatment of Afghan refugees

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan has issued a statement from his jail cell regarding the treatment meted out to Afghan refugees who are being forced out of Pakistan.

In the statement, Imran Khan said, “The way Afghan refugees are being treated goes against the religion of Islam, the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and our social values.”

He emphasized, “The refugees who are deprived of their land as a result of wars and disasters should be treated well. It is our duty as a nation to take care of them with dignity and respect. 1.5 million refugees are not much of a burden on a nation of 250 million.”

Refoulement of Afghan refugees and land rights

Imran Khan continued, “Most of the refugees who come to Pakistan seeking refuge/expulsion from their own land are the poorest of the poor. If the issue is not handled with civility, decency, and wisdom, negative feelings will arise in the entire Afghan nation.”

He expressed concern, stating, “The resentment created as a result of this poor strategy will become a part of their psyche and affect the long-term relationship between the two countries. I fear a permanent rupture in our relations. The policy of treating Afghan refugees like a herd of sheep should be abandoned. The entire policy should be formulated through planning and wisdom. The dignity and self-respect of the refugees should be considered.”