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Deadline extended for Afghan refugees in Pakistan; overstay fines $100 per month
The caretaker federal cabinet of Pakistan extended the deadline for the return of Afghan nationals without proper documentation to February 29, 2024, on Wednesday.
This extension aims to aid those waiting to relocate to Western countries under their respective resettlement plans.
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, announced at a press conference in Islamabad the deadline extension from the initial date of December 31, according to Dawn News.
The decision aims to encourage Afghan nationals to either obtain legal documents or finalize evacuation arrangements to a third country as soon as possible.
New regulations state that Afghan nationals lacking legal documents or processing fees and planning to leave for a third country will be fined $400 for overstaying, reduced from the previous $800.
Post-deadline, overstaying Afghan nationals will incur a fine of $100 per month, with a maximum limit of $800.
The Pakistani federal cabinet was briefed that approximately 450,000 Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan, with the majority doing so voluntarily. This return to their native country marks a significant movement of people in the region.
The United Nations has highlighted that most of the repatriated Afghans are in a vulnerable state. These individuals now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without adequate shelter.
The situation is further exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions in Afghanistan.
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Mujahid dispels claims of rifts within the Islamic Emirate
Mujahid emphasized that there is strong unity, obedience, and cohesion within the Islamic Emirate, and that there is no concern about any division.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, has rejected a BBC report that alleged the existence of divisions among officials of the Islamic Emirate, stating that such claims are not true.
Mujahid said in a post that there are no disagreements whatsoever within the ranks of the Islamic Emirate.
He added that all affairs within the system of the Islamic Emirate are conducted in accordance with Islamic Sharia, and that there is no room for any kind of disagreement.
According to him, statements by officials about the importance of unity and solidarity, or minor issues in which views may differ, never mean the existence of disagreement.
He emphasized that there is strong unity, obedience, and cohesion within the Islamic Emirate, and that there is no concern about any division.
The head of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi, Noor Ahmad Noor, has met with Afghan traders residing in India to discuss their concerns and challenges.
During the meeting, members of the Afghan business community shared issues related to trade and commercial activities.
Noor assured the traders that addressing their concerns is a top priority for the embassy and emphasized that efforts will be made, in coordination with the host country, to find practical solutions.
He also reiterated the embassy’s commitment to supporting Afghan traders and facilitating economic and commercial engagement in India.
The United Nations has confirmed that Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and her staff are working on a visit to Kabul later this month.
Speaking at a press conference, UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said that an official announcement would be made once arrangements are finalized.
Dujarric said the visit is intended to follow up on the Doha process, which was initiated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in May 2023. He emphasized that the engagement aims to be both principled and pragmatic, with a focus on serving the interests and well-being of the Afghan people.
The plan for DiCarlo’s visit was first announced by the Afghan foreign ministry following a meeting with UNAMA officials In Kabul on Tuesday.
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