Human Rights Watch has reported that women and girls in Afghanistan are being deprived of their rights to education, work, and sports. In a statement made on Friday, July 26th, the organization called on the Taliban regime to end the “abuse” of women’s rights.

The Paris 2024 Olympics were inaugurated on Friday with a grand ceremony in France, where a significant portion of the opening events was led by women. The Olympics are one of the largest sporting events in the world, providing athletes from across the globe with the opportunity to showcase their skills and achievements.

In stark contrast to this global celebration, women and girls in Afghanistan are not only barred from working and studying but are also prohibited from participating in sports.

This situation highlights a severe discrepancy between the opportunities available to athletes worldwide and the restrictions faced by Afghan women.

Despite these severe restrictions, several Afghan female athletes are competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their participation underscores their resilience and determination to overcome the barriers imposed on them, even as they represent a nation where their rights are heavily restricted.

The contrast between the Paris 2024 Olympics and Afghanistan’s gender restrictions highlights a global disparity. While female athletes shine on the world stage, advocacy for women’s rights in Afghanistan must continue for true equality and opportunity.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, on Friday.

During the call, they discussed matters related to the cooperation between Pakistan and UNHCR.

The conversation also covered the recent attacks and violent demonstrations by the Afghan diaspora against Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Frankfurt, London, and Brussels.

The High Commissioner commended Pakistan’s traditional hospitality towards Afghan refugees and the recent decision to extend the validity of Proof of Registration (POR) cards.

Both Ishaq Dar and the High Commissioner agreed to continue their collaboration to advance Pakistan-UNHCR cooperation and work towards a lasting solution for Afghan refugees.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation of Afghanistan recently announced that Pakistan has extended the validity of POR cards for Afghan refugees for another year.

On Thursday, July 25, the Afghan Commissioner for Refugees in Islamabad confirmed that the new validity of the POR cards is from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Despite the extension, Afghan refugees are increasingly concerned about the potential for forced deportation, as the Pakistani government has been deporting over two thousand individuals daily.

The extension of POR cards provides temporary relief to Afghan refugees in Pakistan, but ongoing tensions and the risk of deportation continue to create uncertainty. Both Pakistan and UNHCR are committed to addressing these challenges and seeking sustainable solutions.

The situation underscores the need for international cooperation and support to ensure the safety and rights of Afghan refugees, who remain in a precarious position amid broader humanitarian concerns.