Afghan refugees seeks more time to stay in Pakistan

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Members of Afghan Muhajareen Mutahid Shura have asked federal government to review its decisions with regard to extension of one month stay of Afghan refugees in Pakistan as it is impossible for them to return in such short span of time.

The demand came in light of the recent decision taken by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in a meeting in which the validity of documents called proof of registration (PoR) will be extended to one month and after that, the Afghan refugees will have to move back to their homeland.

While speaking at a news conference on Monday at Peshawar press club, members of Shura including Malik Abdul Ghafar Shinwari, Hibat Shah, Ali Shah, Haji Fakir and others said that the Pakistani government had asked Afghan refugees in 2014 to abandon their businesses in Pakistan and ready for return but fortunately, two years extension was given by government.

But this time, the one month deadline given by Pakistani government is not enough and that it is impossible for them to wind up their businesses in such short span of time, they regretted and adding the stay of duration to be extended. It is a fact that Pakistani government has been hosting Afghan refugees since 40-years and it was obliging on them in this regard.

They informed they want dignified repatriation to their homeland for which the Pakistani government should extend their validity of documents up-to one more year so that they could easily conclude their businesses in Pakistan. The Pakistani government’s decision to extend duration of stay of Afghan refugees for period of one month, has spread fear among refugees, they added.

Shura members asked Afghan government to make coordination with Pakistani government in this regard so that it could give Afghan refugees more time for winding up businesses. Regarding the Afghan government, they alleged it (Afghan government) was not fulfilling its promise made with returning refugees with regard to ensuring monetary package being announced earlier.

Afghan refugees alleged police officials of closing down Afghan citizen’s factories in Karkhano Market in Peshawar without any known reasons which is injustice with them. They urged Pakistani government that it should make legislation so that they could be facilitated in getting debts easily from Pakistani citizens.