Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, the chief of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F), strongly condemned the forced deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, calling it a violation of their human rights. Speaking at a news conference in Peshawar on Wednesday, he urged the international community and human rights organizations to take notice of the issue.
Fazl stated that the Pakistani authorities’ actions were a blatant disregard for the human rights of Afghan refugees, describing the deportation process as akin to hauling people “like chattels” in vehicles. He accused the government of using Afghan refugees as a form of revenge, stating that Pakistan’s unhappiness over other issues was being wrongly directed at these vulnerable individuals.
The JUI-F chief specifically highlighted the plight of Afghan professionals, including doctors and engineers, who had contributed positively to Pakistan and should have been integrated into the country’s workforce rather than forcibly expelled. He expressed concern that the expulsion of Afghan investors and businessmen could have significant economic repercussions for Pakistan as well.
Fazl also pointed out the impact on Afghan students enrolled in Pakistan, stressing that denying education was a violation of fundamental human rights. He called for a more compassionate approach, suggesting that both Afghanistan and Pakistan should come together to find a mutual solution for the repatriation of Afghan refugees.
He reminded Pakistanis that hospitality towards Afghan refugees had been a long-standing tradition, rooted in the Pashtun code of conduct. Fazl lamented the decision to expel refugees after hosting them for 45 years, urging both countries to negotiate a mechanism for their safe return.
The JUI-F leader concluded by asserting that the unilateral deportation of Afghan refugees not only violated human rights but also tarnished Pakistan’s image on the international stage.
