Zhao Sheng, China's ambassador to Afghanistan met Amir Khan Muttaqi, Taliban's foreign minister, on Sunday, and urged Pakistan and the Taliban to resolve the issue of deportation of undocumented refugees "in a cordial manner”.
The Taliban's foreign ministry quoted Sheng as saying that China is "ready to help" regarding the immigrant issue.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the Taliban’s foreign ministry spokesperson wrote on X social media platform that Muttaqi, in the meeting with the Chinese ambassador, discussed “forced deportation of refugees at the beginning of the cold winter, usurping their assets and other rights, and several other related issues”.
China has a close trade and political relationship with Pakistan. This is the first time that China has expressed an opinion regarding the issue of deportation of undocumented immigrants from Pakistan.
The Chinese ambassador has expressed their interest in cooperating with the Taliban in solving the issue of undocumented immigrants, which has become a big challenge for the Taliban.
The Taliban has criticised Pakistan for deporting undocumented Afghan immigrants on the eve of winter and has demanded more time for these immigrants.
Pakistan has declined the Taliban’s and Western countries' demands to extend the deadline for the deportation of immigrants.
Muttaqi has explained to the Chinese representative "about the [Taliban's] measures to welcome and resettle Afghan refugees”.
Taliban officials had previously made a commitment to assist immigrants to the best of their ability, although they did not provide specific details.
