KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban have called on Pakistan to change what they described as its harsh and inappropriate treatment of Afghan migrants, amid a renewed crackdown that has led to tens of thousands of deportations in recent weeks.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, raised the issue during a meeting in Kabul with Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires, according to a statement released by the Taliban.
In the statement, Muttaqi expressed concern and dissatisfaction over what he described as the forced deportation of Afghans and the “inappropriate behavior” of certain Pakistani agencies toward migrants. He reportedly characterized the conduct as “provocative” and harmful to bilateral relations, and urged a shift in approach.
In response, Nizamani acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to convey them to the relevant authorities in Pakistan, the statement said.
The two sides also agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation through reciprocal measures and continued engagement between high-level delegations, according to the Taliban’s foreign ministry.
The meeting comes as Afghan migrants, many of whom fled their country following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, face increasing pressure in Pakistan. Numerous deportees have said they fear for their children’s futures—particularly for girls, as access to education remains severely restricted under Taliban rule.
According to Pakistani media reports, more than 33,000 Afghans have been expelled through the Torkham border crossing alone over the past two weeks.
