Pakistan says it will soon start second phase of repatriation of Afghan refugees

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday informed a UN delegation that Pakistan would soon start the second phase of repatriation of Afghan refugees.

Naqvi said this in a meeting with UN’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte, Pakistani media reported citing a statement issued by the Interior Ministry.

He emphasized that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was using neighbouring Afghanistan’s soil to carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan, which must be stopped.

“Terrorism is a global issue and Pakistan is the most affected country by it,” said Naqvi.

He said Pakistan was desirous of peace and stability in Afghanistan and was providing all possible support in this regard.

Naqvi noted Pakistan had been hosting Afghan refugees for decades. He underlined that phase-wise repatriation of illegal foreigners has already been started.

He stated that no action was being taken against the individuals holding legal documents, adding that no one can be allowed to stay in Pakistan without visa or other legal documents. He stressed the need for the role of the UN and the international community in the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.

UN’s Indrika Ratwatte praised Pakistan’s role regarding Afghan refugees and Doha dialogue. He said UN was closely working with the Afghan government for the permanent rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that Afghanistan’s soil is used in attacks against Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), however, has rejected the claims saying Afghanistan is not responsible for Pakistan’s “security failure.”