Islamabad, Feb 10 (NationPress) Pakistan is preparing to deport approximately 20,000 Afghan refugees who have been awaiting resettlement in the United States, as reported by local media on Tuesday.

The federal government of Pakistan will be issuing directives to senior provincial authorities and police forces in Islamabad, Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan to assist in the deportation process of Afghan refugees, as highlighted by Afghanistan's prominent news outlet, Khaama Press, citing a report from Pakistan's 'The Nation' newspaper.

The bulk of these refugees fled Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover in 2021 and have been waiting for over three years to relocate to other nations. Recently, Pakistan has already deported some Afghan refugees who were included in the US resettlement lists, raising concerns about Washington's commitment to the program.

Following a violent incident in December, where an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, shot two US National Guard soldiers near the White House, the US has suspended Afghan refugee admissions. In response, US President Donald Trump halted visa issuance for holders of Afghan passports indefinitely and mandated a review of existing Afghan immigration cases, according to Khaama Press.

Last month, numerous Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan appealed to the Pakistani government and Afghan authorities to address the existing challenges through dialogue, requesting adequate time for a dignified return to Afghanistan, as reported by local media.

These refugees expressed that expedited deportations and heightened pressure have created significant hardships for Afghan residents. Haji Nazar, an Afghan refugee, urged the Pakistani government to grant them a three-month period for a structured return to Afghanistan, as reported by Afghanistan's Tolo News.

"The Pakistani government should provide us with a three-month deadline so we can return home gradually and in an organized manner. Currently, Afghans are encountering numerous difficulties," Tolo News quoted Haji Nazar as stating.

Allah Mir Miakhail, a refugee rights advocate, noted that security forces are apprehending and deporting Afghan refugees indiscriminately. Many refugees require time to settle their affairs and businesses. Numerous families possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, which have unfortunately become invalid.

Activists for refugee rights emphasized the need for a return process that is voluntary, gradual, and supported by international organizations to prevent a new humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Another activist, Ali Reza Karimi, highlighted that many Afghan refugees are deprived of basic human rights and live in uncertainty due to a lack of legal and valid identity documentation.