The Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Respected Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, met this morning at the Arg with Mr. Arafat Jamal, the Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for Afghanistan.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the Head of Political and Public Affairs, Respected Sheikh Mahmood Zakiri, and the Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Respected Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, discussions were held regarding the challenges facing Afghan returnees, their forced return, the Islamic Emirate’s management of returnees, and the upcoming visit to Afghanistan of the UN High Commissioner for refugees in the near future.
Mr. Arafat Jamal expressed appreciation for the effective management of returnees and for the necessary cooperation extended by the Islamic Emirate with UNHCR in matters related to returnees. He also described the upcoming visit of the UN High Commissioner to Afghanistan as beneficial for supporting the rights of Afghan returnees, mobilizing international assistance, increasing available facilities, and addressing their challenges.
He stated that in 2025, Afghanistan witnessed the highest number of forcibly returned migrants worldwide, and fortunately, the country provided them with an appropriate reception. He noted that the officials of the Islamic Emirate had arranged suitable measures and continued to provide essential services and facilities to returnees even late into the night. He added that UNHCR, in coordination with the Islamic Emirate, has also been providing primary services and facilities for returnees.
The UNHCR Representative for Afghanistan stated that despite the Islamic Emirate’s welcoming reception of Afghan returnees, they continue to face serious challenges due to Afghanistan’s weak economic conditions, limited absorption capacity, reduced international aid, recurring droughts, earthquakes, and the impacts of conflict in Pakistan. Afghan citizens, especially those forcibly returned, are facing significant hardships.
He further stated that the purpose of the High Commissioner’s visit is to meet Afghan officials and the people, assess the situation firsthand, and encourage the Pakistani side to provide the necessary arrangements for the dignified return of Afghan refugees. He expressed hope that the visit would yield useful outcomes in supporting refugee rights, integration, and attracting international assistance.
Welcoming Mr. Arafat Jamal, Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi expressed his satisfaction regarding the upcoming visit of the UN High Commissioner to Afghanistan and hoped that he would share his findings with Afghan authorities and fulfill his responsibilities concerning refugee affairs.
He added that migration is a global, continuous, and widespread challenge. Due to decades of invasions in Afghanistan, many Afghans have endured, and continue to endure, significant difficulties during migration in Pakistan, Iran, and other countries.
The Chief of Staff stated that countries hosting refugees should observe international principles and laws related to refugees and fully respect their rights. Host countries should refrain from mistreating refugees, politicizing their situation, engaging in retaliatory conduct, or forcing them to return against their will.
He further emphasized that international organizations working in the refugee sector should not limit themselves to advice and recommendations. Rather, they should courageously hold accountable those countries that mistreat refugees and violate their rights and international legal standards.
Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi stated that Afghans living as migrants in any country are their brothers, and they are always warmly welcomed upon return. However, due to decades of war, instability, drought, and other difficulties, Afghanistan still faces many challenges. Despite this, under the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, the Islamic Emirate has established a High Commission for addressing the problems of returnees. This commission continuously undertakes efforts, visits, and meetings to resolve returnees’ issues and provide them with initial facilities and essential services.
Referring to the challenges faced by Afghan refugees across the Durand Line, he stated that many of the issues concerning refugees there could be resolved and managed with ease. He further urged the international community and donor countries to increase and sustain their assistance to Afghan refugees, rather than reducing it.
Mr. Arafat Jamal, referring to the existing difficulties of Afghan refugees across the Durand Line at Torkham and Spin Boldak, stated that their colleagues in Islamabad and Kabul had discussed these matters with the Pakistani side and with the Pakistani ambassador in Kabul. According to him, they had received commitments to reduce the aforementioned problems faced by Afghan refugees. He added that they are closely monitoring the situation and will assess the extent to which the Pakistani side fulfills these commitments.
He also noted that UNHCR has always supported Afghanistan without political considerations and that assistance to Afghan returnees will continue until their resettlement and the fundamental resolution of their problems. He emphasized that their goal is to ensure that aid and budgets allocated for Afghanistan are utilized effectively.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi expressed appreciation for the assistance provided to Afghanistan, particularly to Afghan returnees, by UNHCR, donor countries, institutions, and Afghan traders. He also assured all aid organizations and institutions that the necessary facilities for their operations in Afghanistan wou
ld be provided.
