ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Afghanistan this weekend at the invitation of the Kabul government. The primary agenda for his visit includes discussing ways to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This visit marks a significant occasion as it is the first high-level trip by Dar since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
According to officials, more than 80,000 Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan since April 1, following the expiration of a deadline for their voluntary return. This mass repatriation is part of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to manage its foreign population, particularly Afghans living illegally in the country.
Shafqat Ali Khan, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Dar's visit is intended to foster "good, positive relations with Afghanistan." The announcement of the visit coincided with the arrival of an Afghan delegation in Islamabad, which held discussions with the country’s Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry. The Afghan delegation was led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nooruddin Aziz, and they deliberated on various critical issues including transit trade and the repatriation of Afghan citizens.
Chaudhry reassured the Afghan delegation that those refugees who have obtained United Nations refugee status would be permitted to remain in Pakistan until at least June. He also mentioned that Pakistan would welcome Afghans who acquired visas and returned to the country with valid documents for business purposes.
However, Pakistan has indicated it will not extend the April 30 deadline for Afghans who applied for resettlement in third countries. There might be exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Many Afghans have been stranded in Pakistan since the suspension of the U.S. refugee admission program initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. These individuals are often seeking relocation to Western nations, including the United Kingdom, after fleeing Afghanistan due to fears of reprisals following the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021.
Following the Taliban's takeover, a significant number of Afghans, particularly those who worked with U.S. military forces, international organizations, and various human rights entities, sought safety in Pakistan. Some have successfully relocated to the United States, with priority given to those who assisted the U.S. military.
In October 2023, Pakistan launched a rigorous crackdown on illegal foreigners residing in the country. Since the onset of this operation, it has been reported that 903,791 Afghans have been repatriated. This ongoing initiative reflects Pakistan's approach to addressing its foreign population issue while managing bilateral relations with Afghanistan.
