The Taliban’s acting Minister of Defense, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, has strongly criticized Pakistan’s recent decision to evict Afghan refugees, describing it as an oppressive move that could intensify tensions between the neighboring countries.
Yaqoob expressed his concerns at the 14th graduation ceremony at the Police Academy in Kabul on Thursday. He described Pakistan’s policy as “inhumane, unjust, and savage” and cautioned that such actions could further destabilize the already fragile relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Taliban administration, echoed this sentiment on the social media platform X. “The behaviour of Pakistan towards Afghan refugees is unacceptable,” Mujahid said.
Yaqoob also appealed to the international community, especially the United Nations, for intervention. “We urge the United Nations to uphold the principle of human rights and intervene in this matter,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Yaqoob advised Afghan traders operating in Pakistan to consider relocating their investments back to Afghanistan. He remarked, “Your businesses are benefiting them (Pakistan); it’s time to redirect these benefits to your homeland.”
It should be noted that Pakistan has ordered nearly 1.73 million undocumented Afghan refugees to leave the country by November 1 or face deportation.