Repatriation of illegal immigrants: EU says Pakistan’s action not in line with international laws

BRUSSELS: Expressing concern over ‘forced return’ of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, the European Union has said that Pakistan’s action is not in line with its commitments towards international laws.

During a mid-day briefing, leading spokesperson for the European External Action Service Peter Stano said, “We are monitoring the situation and we are not only in contact with Pakistan’s authorities but also with the international aid agencies working in Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

He said the repatriation of one million illegal Afghan immigrants in Pakistan is raising many questions, particularly in the context that they belong to different ethnic groups. “Our general position is that Pakistan’s action is not in line with its commitments towards international laws, particularly in the situation when the Taliban government in Afghanistan is against the women rights and various ethnic groups,” said Peter Stano.

He added the EU has conveyed its concerns to the Pakistan government because when the forcibly repatriated immigrants will try to return to Pakistan due to unfavourable circumstances in Afghanistan, their life will be in more danger.

“It is a matter of concern and we are in contact with our partners and Pakistan’s government,” Stano said.