FO optimistic about restoration of Afghan transfer scheme – Pakistan

• The spokesman diverts questions about the lack of contact with Washington; minimizes the concerns of EU officials about GSP+ continuity
• 75 Pakistani moved to Rwanda after the outbreak of violence in Dr Congo

Islamabad: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on Thursday the hope of the reinstatement of the Afghan refugee resettlement program in the United States and confirmed that the matter was being discussed with the United States government.

“We hope that the program will resume, which allows the remaining Afghan refugees to be resettle in the United States according to the commitments assumed by the United States government,” said FO spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan, in the Weekly information.

“We are in contact with them, and we will see how it evolves,” he said.

Shortly after assuming the position, President Donald Trump had suspended the United States refugee intake program, leaving the future of tens of thousands of Afghans in Pakistan waiting for resettlement abroad uncertain.

The suspension affected the processing and relocation of the almost 25,000 remaining Afghan, currently in Pakistan, to the United States.

After Kabul’s fall in 2021, governments in the West had pledged to resettle the Afghan who had helped them during their military commitment.

Initially, more than 120,000 Afghan were evacuated from the country devastated by war immediately after the acquisition of the Taliban.

Subsequently, resettlement programs were launched for those who had fled to neighboring countries, fearing for their safety.

Approximately 1.25 million Afghan had fled from the Taliban government, with an estimated 600,000 entering Pakistan. Of these, more than 120,000 resettlement in the United States and Europe was promised.

However, the process has been slow.

According to the spokesman, 80,000 Afghas have been resettle in several countries, while more than 40,000 remain in Limbo.

Among them, 25,000 were expected to be relocated in the United States.

According to the initial agreement with the US, the resettlement process was scheduled for its completion in September 2025.

However, the suspension of the program has generated concerns about the fate of those who still expect relocation.

Khan did not specify what level discussions were being carried out. However, it is widely assumed that the matter is being addressed at the diplomatic level, since the upper leadership of both parties has not yet participated after the change of administration in Washington.

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have begun to communicate with world leaders, but so far there has been no conversation with Pakistani leadership.

Given the regional dynamics, marked by the growing rivalry between the United States and China, the strategic ties of Washington with India and the differences of policies with Islamabad, many analysts anticipate that direct participation between Pakistani leaders and the new US administration It will remain limited.

Deflecting questions about the lack of contact between the two governments, Khan declared: “We continue to commit to the United States at multiple levels.

It is still a very important relationship, and we hope to strengthen the ties of Pakistan-United States. “

When asked about the suspension of the 90 -day development assistance programs of the Trump administration to evaluate its efficiency and alignment with the foreign policy of the United States, the spokesman recognized the important contributions of USAID to Pakistan.

He highlighted his work in critical areas such as energy, education, health and control of narcotics, expressing the hope that these programs will be resumed soon.

EU concerns

The spokesman assured the European Union that Pakistan was actively participating with the block in his concerns, emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship.

“In interstate relationships, no one assumes any state or part. The EU is still a very important partner for Pakistan, ”she said while responding to the comments of the EU special representative for Olof Skoog human rights, who is currently visiting Pakistan to discuss the concerns of the block with respect to human rights, particularly The judgment of civilians by the General Court of the Campo. Martial and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Mr. Skoog, whose visit is advanced to the generalized scheme of preferences plus the June monitoring mission, in his meetings with Pakistani officials, made it clear that Pakistan should not assume his GSP+state.

Mr. Khan declared that the EU visitor envoy had been informed about Pakistan’s position regarding recent legislative developments, including the Law on Electronic Crime Prevention and the trial of people accused of terrorism and other crimes.

He stressed that the discussions between Pakistan and the EU were ongoing and should be seen as part of a collaborative dialogue instead of a unilateral judgment on the internal affairs of Pakistan.

“This is not a unique discussion, nor is anyone sitting on judgment on what is happening in Pakistan. It is a dialogue between two partners and friends, “he said.

Congo situation

Meanwhile, 75 Pakistani have been transferred to Rwanda in the middle of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), according to a state statement.

In a press release on Thursday, FO said around 150 Pakistani were stranded in rubber after climbing.

“With the active commitment of the High Commissioner of Pakistan in the Kigali ambassador, Naeemullah Khan, the Ruandesas authorities have allowed the entry of Pakistani stranded in Rwanda. Until now, around 75 Pakistani have moved to Rwanda. “

The FO added that the high commission of Pakistan in Kigali has organized accommodation and food for those affected and is also approaching the Pakistani community to identify any other citizen in difficulty.

“There is a probability that more Pakistani crossing Rwanda in the next few days. The staff of the high commission is in contact with each individual who has asked for help and help. “

Posted in Dawn, January 31, 2025



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