Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has described reports of harassment of Afghan students in Pakistan and the reported refusal to extend their visas as worrying and deeply regrettable.
In a public statement, Karzai said Afghan students had travelled to Pakistan solely to pursue higher education and complete their studies, stressing that their residency status should be considered separately from other issues.
He called on Pakistani authorities to treat Afghan students in accordance with internationally accepted academic principles and standards and to ensure they are able to continue their education without disruption.
Karzai’s remarks come as reports have emerged in recent weeks of Afghan students encountering difficulties in renewing their visas and maintaining legal residency in Pakistan, raising concerns about the future of their education.
