Iran implements ban on Afghan market vendors in Mashhad amid escalating tension

Authorities in Mashhad, Iran, have recently enforced a ban on mobile Afghan vendors within the city's bustling bazaars, citing concerns and challenges associated with their presence, according to a report by TOLO News.

The announcement, prominently displayed at the entrance of Mashhad's central bazaar, comes at a time when approximately half a million Afghan citizens call the city home. Afghan residents in Iran are expressing growing anxieties about the potential impact on their livelihoods, coupled with reports of mistreatment by local law enforcement.

Advocates for Afghan refugees are calling for diplomatic solutions and the adherence to international laws to address the challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Enayatullah Alokozai, an Afghan refugee in Iran, emphasized the urgency of diplomatic channels to ensure fair treatment, stating, "The demand of the refugees from the Islamic Emirate is to address the challenges of the refugees through diplomatic paths so that the refugees can be treated based on international laws."

Ghulam Ghobar, another Afghan refugee in Iran, highlighted the dire situation faced by Afghan refugees and urged host countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, to adhere to international refugee laws. "The situation of the Afghan refugees is very difficult. I hope the countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, which host most Afghan refugees, treat them based on international refugee laws," he said.

Refugee rights activist Asifa Stanikzai called on Iran to adopt a long-term vision for Afghan refugees, stressing their potential contribution to the economic development of the host country. She encouraged Iran to integrate Afghan refugees effectively based on its territory, saying, "Iran should have a deep vision for the long-term and effective use of the Afghan refugees based on its territory, in economic development."

Deputy Minister of Refugees and Repatriation in Afghanistan, Abdul Rahman Rashid, revealed that ongoing talks between Islamic Emirate officials and their Iranian counterparts aim to address the escalating issue. "The Islamic Emirate's officials have talked with Iranian delegations, and now that the acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has traveled, he will discuss this problem with them," he stated.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's foreign minister, had previously appealed to the United Nations for assistance in facilitating the return of Afghan refugees. Acknowledging Iran's hosting of Afghan refugees for over 45 years, he sought UN cooperation in ensuring a smooth and organized return process, as reported by TOLO News.

Also Read-India’s COVID-19 Update: 628 new cases, active caseload surges to 4,054 on December 25

OTT India updates you with the latest news, Country’s no.1 digital news platform OTT India, Keeps you updated with national, and international news from all around the world. For more such updates, download the OTT India app on your Android and IOS device.