Former Afghan FM Expresses Readiness to Cooperate with Taliban Regarding Migrants
Hanif Atmar, former Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, said that the forced mass deportation of Afghan immigrants from Pakistan is a "human disaster".
Hanif Atmar, former Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, said that the forced mass deportation of Afghan immigrants from Pakistan is a "human disaster".
In a statement, he emphasised that despite significant and fundamental differences in his perspectives with the Taliban, it is essential to engage in discussions and be ready for "national cooperation" to address this challenge.
Atmar said that his differences with the Taliban are on fundamental rights and freedoms of people, especially women, and regarding the political system, peace, and stability in Afghanistan.
In the statement, he wrote that the time has come for the Taliban leaders to make a "wise, responsible and patriotic" decision considering the fate of the "deplorable immigrants" and the widespread consequences of expelling the immigrants.
Atmar stressed that the Pakistani government has "disrespected" the human rights of Afghan immigrants and "disregarded" the wishes of the people of Pakistan and international organisations.
He added that the Taliban and the political opponents of the group should "cooperate" to protect the lives, property, and dignity of the immigrants.
In the statement, he said that the Taliban can turn this "tragedy into an opportunity for national reconciliation and the sustainable return of all Afghan refugees”.
Atmar strongly stated that the Pakistani government will never stop "exploiting the Afghan immigrant population for political and security objectives”.
He emphasised that the "instrumental use" of Afghan immigrants in "experimental policies and proxy wars, even against Afghanistan, is a shameful and unforgivable history”.
He stated that the time has come to end this "tyranny" and asked the Taliban to immediately stop "the policy of harassment, detention, and killing of people affiliated with the previous government, political and human rights activists and restrictions against the basic rights of citizens, especially women".
He also emphasised that, in the longterm, a legitimate political system, founded on the will of the people and national reconciliation, should be established through intra-Afghan dialogue.
