Washington: In the midst of a surge in violence by the Taliban in Afghanistan posted US drawdown, the entry of Afghan refugees has increased at the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Considering the situation, the US wants Pakistan to maintain its border with Afghanistan open for Afghan refugees, report dawn.
“So, in a place like Pakistan, it will be important that their borders remain open,” said a senior department of foreign officials while fighting for journalists in the new US refugee acceptance program for Afghan citizens.
“Obviously, if people go north or if they go through Iran to Turkey …
(they) have the opportunity to enter the country and also to register with the government or with UNHCR,” officially added.
Pakistan, however, seems reluctant to do it.
Since 1979, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans and more than three million permanently settled in this country.
Pakistofficial argues that their economy is not strong enough to absorb more refugees, report dawn.
Pakistani National Security Adviser MoEed Yusuf who was on US visit to a briefing in Washington this week that arrangements must be made to maintain Afghan refugees in their country instead of encouraging them to Pakistan.
“Why make them dar-ba-dar (homeless)? Making arrangements for them in their country.
Pakistan does not have the capacity to take more refugees.” Demand by the US can continue the tense relationship between the two countries when Washington tries to save translators and other people who work for US government institutions, and their families under the Special Immigration Visa (SIV).
The Taliban mainly targets these people who help America in fighting terrorism in the region.
In addition, Biden administration on Monday (local time) expanded access to refugee programs for Afghans who worked with the US.
“This appointment expands opportunities to be permanently recimlated in the United States to thousands of Afghans and family members who may be at risk for their US affiliates but who do not qualify for special immigrant visas (SIV) because they do not do it.
Because they don’t have it.
Works that meet the requirements, or because they have not fulfilled the requirements of time-in-service to qualify, “said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.