Pakistan has once again ruled out any change in its policy on deporting undocumented foreigners, mainly Afghan nationals.
Senior Pakistani officials outlined the stance during meetings with US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Thomas West, who ended his two-day trip to Islamabad on Saturday.
The envoy assured Pakistan of support from the Biden administration for its campaign against TTP fighters from across the Durand Line.
However, Afghanistan has repeatedly denied sheltering the Pakistani militants on its soil. The interim government in Kabul has also expressed its desire for improved ties with all neighbours.
Sources say the visiting US envoy held talks top senior officials in Islamabad on issues of common interest, including the protection of the Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
A framework for the early resettlement of the Afghans who had worked for the USduring its presence in Afghanistan also came up for discussion.
Over 25000 Afghans, awaiting US visas, are currently in Pakistan. They complain of inappropriate treatment at the hands of local authorities.
In light of reservations from Islamabad, the Americans shared with Pakistan a revised list of the Afghans waiting for relocation to the US.
One diplomatic source revealed Pakistan insisted on speeding up the visa process for the Afghan immigrants and their early resettlement in the US.
During his visit, West held discussionswith Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani andPakistan’s Special Representative forAfghanistan Asif Durrani.
At talks with UNHCR International Organisation for Migration (IOM) officials, West lauded their support for the vulnerable Afghans.
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