Liaising with Pakistan govt for safety of Afghan refugees, asylum seekers: US

ISLAMABAD: The United States government has stepped forward to safeguard nearly 25,000 Afghans residing in various parts of Pakistan, aiming to protect them from forced deportation.

These individuals mostly fled Afghanistan either shortly before or following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul on August 15, 2021.

In response to inquiries sent by this correspondent, US Mission Spokesperson Jonathan Lalley expressed: “The United States maintains close and ongoing communication with the government of Pakistan regarding the safety of individuals in the US pipelines. Our primary concern is the well-being of vulnerable and at-risk individuals. It is in the best interest of both our countries to ensure the safe and efficient resettlement of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.”

The Pakistani government is actively pursuing a plan to forcibly repatriate Afghans lacking legal documentation residing in the country. Notably, in the weeks preceding and following the deadline for Afghan refugees, US Ambassador Blome was observed engaging with Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar Kakar, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jillani, and other key officials.

When approached with a set of questions, Spokesperson Jonathan Lalley responded concisely, saying: “Our estimate suggests approximately 25,000 individuals who could be eligible for immigration to or resettlement in the United States.”

Lalley emphasised active efforts to connect and communicate with these individuals. He highlighted the various groups needing relocation or resettlement, including asylees, refugee seekers, US citizens and their families, and individuals potentially holding claims to US citizenship. Many within these groups face risks if sent back to Afghanistan.

Regarding the arrangements made by the US government for these Afghan individuals, the US embassy spokesperson revealed: “We have shared a list of over 25,000 individuals in the US resettlement and relocation pipelines with the government of Pakistan. Additionally, we have dispatched letters to these individuals, which they can present to local authorities as identification within the US pipeline.” The spokesperson disclosed the establishment of a hotline for Afghans in Pakistan to seek assistance, providing information in English, Dari, and Pashto.

Responding to queries about the completion deadline of the process, the US Mission spokesman said: “We have actively explored all potential options to expand our refugee and immigrant visa processing capacity in Pakistan.” Collaboration to enhance processing capacity remains a subject of ongoing discussions with the Pakistani government.

The US is committed to processing Afghans eligible for immigration to or resettlement in the United States outside of Afghanistan, including in Pakistan. The US government is closely monitoring the situation and will persist in addressing these concerns with the Pakistani government at various levels in coordination with UNHCR and other supportive nations.