Mahira Khan ‘appeals’ Pak government to ‘support’ Afghan refugees

As thousands of Afghans flee Pakistan amid deportation warning, well-known Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has urged the government of Pakistani to keep supporting those who "are still in need of our kindness".

Khan, who has been a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador since 2019, shared images with the UNHCR logo and branding, calling for the nation to continue to provide safety to “our Afghan brothers and sisters in need”.

“No one leaves their home behind by choice,” wrote Mahira Khan. “Here in Pakistan, I have been proud of our tradition of hospitality towards those in search of safety, dignity, and respect. For over 40 years, we have provided safety to our Afghan brothers and sisters in need.”

She added that there are people “who are still in need of our kindness and compassion, who are at risk if they return” ending with an appeal for the government “to continue to support those who need it”.

Pakistan gave ‘illegal immigrants’ until November 1 to leave the country before it started to deport an estimated 1.7 million ‘illegal’ Afghan immigrants, along with other undocumented foreigners.

After the voluntary departure deadline expired, the government started detaining ‘illegal’ Afghan refugees in holding centres.

Indian actress Gauahar Khan commented under Khan’s post, “This is what an ambassador does. Great work.”

On the work front, Mahira Khan is set to headline Pakistan’s first Netflix original. The yet-to-be-titled show will be based on the popular novel Jo Bachy Hain Sang Samait Lo, written by Farhat Ishtiaq. Popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan plays the male lead in the show.