Pakistan to “soon start” second phase of returning Afghan refugees

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi updated a United Nations (UN) delegation about the upcoming second phase of repatriating Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

In his meeting with the UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, Naqvi talked about the threat posed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

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He stated that the TPP was using Afghan soil to carry out terrorist attacks against Pakistan, a situation he believes requires urgent action.

The Interior Minister said that Pakistan was a major victim of terrorism and it was dedicated to fostering peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He noted that Pakistan has been a host to Afghan refugees for many years and has begun a structured process for the return of undocumented Afghan citizens.

Naqvi stressed that the repatriation will be carried out while ensuring that those with proper legal status would be unaffected.

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Mohsin Naqvi urged greater support from the UN and the international community in the resettlement efforts for Afghan refugees.

Meanwhile, Ratwatte acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions in hosting Afghan refugees for decades and its fight against terrorism, while alluding to the Doha peace talks.

The Deputy Special Representative mentioned that the UN was collaborating with the Afghan government to ensure the permanent relocation of refugees.

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Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that attacks against Pakistan are being orchestrated from Afghan soil, a position disputed by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), which denies any responsibility for Pakistan’s security concerns.