Mahira Khan, the renowned Pakistani actor and UNHCR National Goodwill Ambassador, expressed her empathy for Afghan refugees departing Pakistan due to the recent orders for the deportation of undocumented migrants.
In an Instagram post, the Humsafar actor emphasized the importance of continuing to offer support to those in need, highlighting that many are compelled to leave their homes involuntarily. Accompanied by a photo of the artist sporting a UNHCR jacket and surrounded by Afghan women, her message resonated with the ongoing refugee crisis.
Mahira Khan underscored Pakistan’s rich “tradition of hospitality” towards those seeking refuge, expressing her pride in the country’s longstanding commitment to providing security and support to Afghan refugees for over four decades. The Verna star acknowledged the vulnerable position of those returning to their homeland, emphasizing the continued need for kindness and compassion to safeguard their well-being.
In recent decades, millions of Afghans have sought shelter in Pakistan, escaping the upheavals caused by various conflicts, with an estimated 600,000 arriving since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The recent decision by Islamabad to repatriate 1.7 million Afghan nationals living in Pakistan illegally has prompted the return of over 180,000 individuals to Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities have cited concerns over welfare and security, particularly in response to heightened militant activity originating from across the border.
