WASHINGTON: The US on Wednesday said that Washington is in close contact with Pakistan regarding the situation of 25,000 Afghans in Pakistan waiting for their US visas.
The US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, while addressing a press briefing, said that their desire is to work in good faith with the Government of Pakistan to address any concerns it may have. The close contact with Islamabad aims to ensure the safety of vulnerable and at-risk individuals.
Miller stressed that it is in the best interest of both countries to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers.
The US, along with its partners, urges all countries, including Pakistan, to uphold their obligations in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
Safety of Vulnerable Afghans Top Priority: US
The spokesperson encouraged Afghanistan’s neighbours to permit the entry of Afghans seeking international protection and to coordinate with international humanitarian organizations for assistance.
Simultaneously, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and humanitarian partners are providing critical aid at border crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan in response to the substantial number of returned Afghans. Approximately 375,000 Afghans have left Pakistan in the past two months, primarily through the Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Spin Boldak border crossing in Balochistan.
IOM noted that the surge in border crossings, from 200 daily to 17,000, follows Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, which set a November 1 deadline for the “voluntary return” of all undocumented Afghans in Pakistan.
The IOM-led border consortium is delivering essential services, including shelter, water, sanitation, household items, healthcare, protection, nutrition, and cash assistance for basic needs, transportation, and food.
