On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a crucial meeting with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The primary focus of their discussion was the ongoing situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, a topic that has gained significant attention due to Pakistan’s recent crackdown on migrants. This meeting underscores the complex interplay between humanitarian concerns, diplomatic relations, and national security issues in the region.
Pakistan has long been a major host country for Afghan refugees, with a history dating back to the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. Currently, the country houses approximately 1.7 million Afghan refugees, a number that increased by about half a million following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021. Many of these recent arrivals are in a state of limbo, awaiting resettlement in countries like the United States. The situation has become more pressing since November 2023, when Pakistan launched a comprehensive crackdown on undocumented migrants, resulting in an estimated 600,000 Afghans returning to Afghanistan. This mass exodus has drawn widespread criticism from international human rights organizations and humanitarian agencies.
Filippo Grandi’s visit to Pakistan, which began on Sunday, July 7, was a response to this evolving crisis. During his two-day stay, Grandi made it a priority to meet with Afghan refugees, gaining firsthand insight into their situations and challenges. He shared his observations on social media, noting, “I met with Afghan refugees whose resilience reflects their strength, and Pakistan’s longstanding hospitality.” This statement highlights the dual narrative of the refugee situation: the perseverance of the displaced Afghans and the significant role Pakistan has played in providing refuge over the decades.
In his meeting with Grandi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought to address both domestic and international concerns. He assured the UN High Commissioner that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are treated with respect and dignity, despite the challenges posed by their presence. However, Sharif also used this opportunity to call upon the international community for greater recognition and support. He emphasized the substantial burden Pakistan has shouldered in hosting such a large refugee population and stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing this ongoing crisis. Furthermore, Sharif requested UNHCR’s assistance in facilitating the safe and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees, indicating Pakistan’s desire for a long-term solution to the situation.
The complexity of the refugee issue was further highlighted in Grandi’s meeting with Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan. Durrani expressed Pakistan’s readiness to find a lasting solution to the Afghan refugee issue, emphasizing the importance of safe repatriation. This stance reflects Pakistan’s balancing act between maintaining its role as a host country and addressing domestic concerns about the long-term presence of a large refugee population.
Pakistan’s recent crackdown on migrants has drawn significant criticism from various UN agencies. These organizations have raised concerns about potential human rights violations, including family separations and the deportation of minors. While Pakistan has deported Afghans without valid documents in the past, the current operation is unprecedented in its scale and intensity. This has led to increased scrutiny of Pakistan’s refugee policies and their alignment with international humanitarian standards.
The refugee situation is further complicated by the broader geopolitical context. The Taliban-led Afghan government has established a commission to handle repatriated nationals and has been critical of Pakistan’s actions. Additionally, the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been strained by a surge in militant attacks, largely attributed to the Pakistani Taliban, an ally of the Afghan Taliban. This security dimension adds another layer of complexity to the refugee issue, as Pakistan seeks to balance humanitarian obligations with national security concerns. The ongoing discussions between Pakistani officials and UN representatives like Grandi are crucial in navigating these multifaceted challenges and working towards a solution that addresses the needs of refugees while considering the interests of all parties involved.