In Islamabad, discussions between Pakistani and US officials have taken place to explore ways to expedite the resettlement process for thousands of eligible Afghans migrating to the United States. US Assistant Secretary of State Julieta Valls Noyes, overseeing refugee and migration issues for the Biden administration, engaged in these talks during her four-day visit to Pakistan this week. The discussions involved various options and included meetings with Pakistani officials, representatives from the UN and other international organizations, as well as Afghan refugees.
A statement from the US Embassy emphasized Assistant Secretary Noyes’s commitment to the protection and efficient resettlement of eligible Afghan refugees in the United States. The discussions with Pakistani government officials focused on collaborative efforts to accelerate the processing of Afghan nationals eligible for relocation or resettlement in the US. The US expressed its desire to continue working with the Government of Pakistan in processing individuals through US resettlement pathways, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian principles, including non-refoulement, and the protection of vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.
During her visit, Assistant Secretary Noyes acknowledged the efforts of international partners, including UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in supporting and protecting Afghan refugees. She also directly engaged with Afghan refugees to better understand their concerns.
The United States reiterated its commitment to ensuring the protection of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, actively exploring all available options to expedite refugee and immigrant visa processing in Pakistan. The Pakistani government did not issue a formal statement regarding the visit, considering it part of ongoing contacts between the two countries.
Pakistan has initiated a crackdown against illegal Afghan residents following the October 31 deadline. The US has maintained communication with Pakistan to safeguard eligible Afghans from deportation, particularly those who worked for the US during its military campaign in Afghanistan. Approximately 25,000 Afghans in Pakistan are awaiting immigration to the US, facing delays since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The collaborative efforts between the US and Pakistan aim to find a solution to prevent deportations and protect vulnerable Afghans, including musicians, artists, journalists, and others. Pakistani officials clarified that the cases of these individuals would be scrutinized, and the initial phase of repatriation involves those without legal status.
Leave a Comment