In a recent development, Manzoor Pashteen has penned a letter to the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The letter is addressed to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Turk Volker, seeking his attention to the unjust arrests and mistreatment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Pashteen has also called upon Pakistani human rights organizations to join in advocating the critical human rights abuse by Paki ‘establishement’.
In his letter to the UN Human Rights Commissioner in Geneva, Switzerland, Pashteen highlighted the urgency of addressing grave human rights violations, which include harassment, inhumane and degrading treatment, arbitrary detention and torture suffered by Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan.
Moreover, disturbing reports have emerged, pointing towards the alleged torture and abuse of Afghan women and children under the pretext of repatriating them to Afghanistan. Reportedly, some of these individuals face severe security threats to their lives if forced to return to Afghanistan.
Furthermore, Pakistan has imposed indiscriminate and heavy fines and fees on Afghan nationals who have overstayed their welcome. Such actions are viewed as clear violations of human rights principles, as they impose undue burdens on individuals already facing displacement and uncertainty.
Accordingly, Manzoor Pashteen’s plea to the UN Human Rights Commissioner seeks immediate attention and action to protect the rights and well-being of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Nevertheless, this issue underscores the need for a comprehensive response to safeguard the dignity and safety of vulnerable populations caught in the midst of conflict and displacement.