UNHCR ambassador Mahira Khan appeals for compassion for Afghan refugees

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan superstar Mahira Khan has expressed her compassion for Afghan individuals who are leaving Pakistan due to government orders for the deportation of illegal migrants residing in the country, saying that some of them “are still in need of our kindness.”

Mahira Khan, who serves as the National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), shared her thoughts on Instagram.

In her heartfelt message, the Hum Kahan Ke Sache Thay actor called upon the government in Islamabad to continue its support for those in need, a tradition that Pakistan has upheld for many years.

“No one leaves their home behind by choice,” Mahira Khan wrote, accompanied by a photo of herself wearing a UNHCR jacket, surrounded by Afghan women. She underlined Pakistan’s longstanding “tradition of hospitality” towards those seeking refuge, a tradition that fills her with pride. Pakistan has provided safety and security to Afghan brothers and sisters for over four decades.

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“In Pakistan, we take great pride in our tradition of extending hospitality to those in search of safety, dignity, and respect. For more than 40 years, we have provided sanctuary to our Afghan brethren in need,” expressed the Verna star.

She raised concerns about the individuals returning to their homeland, stating that there are still people who “require our kindness and compassion.” Mahira Khan fears that they might face risks upon their return.

In recent decades, millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan, fleeing a series of violent conflicts, including an estimated 600,000 who arrived after the Taliban government assumed power in August 2021 and enforced their interpretation of religious laws.

Following Pakistan’s decision to deport 1.7 million Afghan refugees believed to be living illegally in the country, more than 180,000 people have returned to Afghanistan.

Pakistan has cited the need to safeguard its “welfare and security” following a significant increase in attacks, which the government attributes to militants operating from Afghanistan.