Imprisoning Afghans in Pakistan will undermine bilateral ties: Kabul

The foreign ministry of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in response to the imprisonment and torture of Afghans who reside in Pakistan, warns that this will deteriorate relations between the two countries.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said: “Imprisoning and torturing Afghans residing in Pakistan or traveling to this country, especially women, children, elderly and sick people, is very painful and does not have a good result for the relations between the two brotherly countries. It is necessary to release these prisoners as soon as possible.”

In a series of tweets, Afghanistan’s embassy in Islamabad has also stressed the release of Afghan prisoners from Pakistani prisons as soon as possible, adding that Pakistani officials have acted irresponsibly on their promises to release Afghans with the Afghan embassy and consulate in Islamabad.

“Until political stability and a strong government are established in Afghanistan, we should not complain about Pakistan and Iran because we could not build a safe home for our countrymen so that they do not migrate to foreign countries,” said Samad Karmand, a political expert.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan meanwhile has called the situation of Afghan prisoners in the province of Sindh, especially in the prisons of the city of Karachi, deplorable and emphasized their release.

“UNHCR is extremely concerned to see images and reports of the arrest and detention of Afghan refugees in Sindh province, particularly Karachi. Irrespective of their status, children and families should not be behind bars,” the organization tweeted.

Lack of legal residence documents is said to be one of the main reasons for the imprisonment of Afghan immigrants in Pakistan.

In a report, Pakistan’s National Human Rights Commission said that at least 139 Afghan women and 165 children are being held in Karachi’s women’s prison along with other criminals.