IEA’s deputy PM urges Pakistan to reconsider its decision to expel Afghan refugees

Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Abdulsalam Hanafi on Thursday called on the Pakistani government to reconsider its decision to expel Afghan refugees, saying the decision would create gap between peoples of the two countries.

Hanafi, in meeting with Pakistan’s charge d’affaires, said that Afghanistan and Pakistan are two neighboring Muslim countries, and maintaining good relations between them benefits both the countries, according to a statement released by Arg.

Pointing out that both countries have a lot in common, he said that the Islamic Emirate wants good relations and positive engagement with all neighboring countries, especially Pakistan.

Hanafi said that Pakistan’s decision to expel refugees has a negative impact on public opinion and creates a gap between the peoples of the two countries, which is not in the interest of neither side.

He said that there should be ease in the movement of Afghans in Torkham and Spin Boldak and they should be treated well on the basis of Islamic brotherhood and good neighborliness. He added that children, women and innocent people who went to Pakistan for treatment but are currently in prisons, must be released.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s charge d’affaires in Kabul Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani expressed his condolences over loss of lives caused by the recent earthquakes in Herat and said that he will convey the message and requests of the Islamic Emirate to the officials in Islamabad.

He said that Pakistan wants comprehensive improvement of the situation in Afghanistan and positive movement in the economic, political and trade fields in this country. He added that Pakistan seeks to solve issues between the two countries through mutual understanding.