ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome met in capital city Islamabad to discuss protection of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, among other bilateral matters.
A statement shared by US Embassy said both sides discussed matter of 1.7 million undocumented Afghan immigrants who are residing in Pakistan as the issue made headlines across the globe. It said the caretaker government announced plans to repatriate all illegal foreigners due to security concerns, a move that was reportedly aimed at Afghan refugees, although officials have denied this.
US Mission spokesperson Jonathan Lalley said Ambassador Blome’s meeting with Deputy PM covered various topics, including protection of Afghan refugees, economic cooperation, security, counterterrorism, and regional collaboration. The envoy also expressed appreciation for the chance to learn about Pakistan’s priorities as the country prepares to assume a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Islamabad started its first round of deportations in 2023, and by mid-2024 4, 675,190 Afghans returned to Afghanistan under this initiative.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar and Donald Blome discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation in different fields.
