Afghanistan Peace CampaignPolitical analysts also stress that to prevent border issues, Iran and Pakistan must create opportunities for the voluntary return of Afghan refugees.
The UNHCR representative in Afghanistan has called on Iran and Pakistan not to undermine their decades-long history of hosting Afghan refugees by expelling them.
Emphasizing proper treatment, voluntary return, and cooperation between the two countries and the United Nations, Arafat Jamal told TOLOnews that if coordination is not ensured, chaos will arise in the region.
He said: “We should be able to set with those countries and with Afghanistan to make sure that they come home in a systematic manner and in a manner that contributes to stability, to economic growth and to peace inside Afghanistan, this is our appeal. Treat people with dignity, make sure that those who want to go home are doing so voluntarily and work with us so that the movement is organized and contributes to stability. If not, we will have a situation of chaos on both sides of the border, and nobody wants that.”
Political analysts also stress that to prevent border issues, Iran and Pakistan must create opportunities for the voluntary return of Afghan refugees.
“If this process is not halted or a proper framework is not established to ensure the dignified return of Afghans, historical grievances between Afghanistan and these two countries will deepen and could even lead to conflict,” said Zakiullah Muhammadi, a university professor.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported that 14,000 Afghans have returned from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey the month of Dalwa (solar calender).
Abdul Matlub Haqqani, the ministry’s spokesperson, said: “The total number of returnees stands at 14,140, including 10,683 from Iran, 3,311 from Pakistan, and 146 from Turkey.”
Arafat Jamal also stated during an event in Kabul yesterday (Monday, February 24) that over 2.1 million Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan last year.