The director of the World Food Program in Afghanistan has expressed concern about the forced deportation of refugees from Pakistan ahead of winter, saying they have been forced to leave the neighboring country at the worst possible time.
In a press conference on Sunday, Hsiao-Wei Lee said that more than one million people will leave Pakistan and more than 370,000 have already arrived in Afghanistan.
“They are forced to return to Afghanistan at the worst possible time,” Lee said. “Everyone I spoke with told me they do not know how they are going to survive this coming winter. Harsh, unforgiving and freezing winter is a countdown to zero in Afghanistan. There are no open arms for these families.”
Returnees complain about the behavior of the Pakistani forces and say that it should be stopped or Pakistan should let them take their belongings as well.
Pakistani authorities started the crackdown on illegal refugees early this month, and have ignored calls by UN and human rights groups to stop the move.
Islamabad expects the process to be completed by January.
