Afghan Refugees Appeal to Pakistan's PM to Stop Deportations

Islamabad, March 24 (NationPress) Afghan refugees seeking resettlement in the United States have penned an open letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to immediately suspend their deportation to Afghanistan as the March 31 deadline looms closer.

The letter is addressed to the Pakistani leader by refugees who possess either pending or approved visa applications for entry into the United States or have accepted referrals into the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Pakistan has established a March 31 deadline for the deportation of all Afghan refugees.

In the two-page letter, Afghan refugees awaiting US resettlement in Pakistan conveyed their profound concern regarding recent developments that have endangered the safety and security of vulnerable Afghans.

The letter emphasizes that many Afghans residing in Pakistan are in the final stages of comprehensive vetting processes and are awaiting US visa or refugee status approval. Deporting them back to Afghanistan contradicts humanitarian principles and international agreements to which Pakistan is a signatory.

"At a minimum, we request an exemption from detention or deportation for Afghans with pending or approved immigration applications to the United States," the letter stated.

In their appeal, the Afghan refugees urged Pakistani authorities to treat them in accordance with international law, highlighting that Afghan nationals in Pakistan are encountering challenges with visa extensions, including exorbitant costs and potential delays. Some have reported a transition from longer to shorter extensions.

"Previously, visa extensions were available for longer durations (three or six months), but now they are frequently restricted to one month at a cost of $100 or Rs 20,000. The visa extension process can be slow and uncertain, resulting in further complications for those reliant on them. Overstay charges apply without condonation, and while there is no surcharge for children under 12, a 50 percent surcharge applies for those under 18," the letter added.

The signatories implored the Pakistani PM to reconsider the deportation of vulnerable individuals, as it violates international obligations concerning the humane treatment of refugees, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"Time is of the essence; lives are at stake, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation. We strongly urge you to act swiftly and compassionately. Afghan refugees would appreciate the chance to discuss these issues with your government officials to enhance our cooperation," the letter concluded.

Recently, the US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch criticized Pakistan for forcibly deporting Afghan refugees. "Pakistani officials must instantly cease coercing Afghans to return home and provide those facing expulsion the opportunity to seek protection," stated Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch.

Numerous reports have indicated that Afghan refugees are experiencing significant harassment and abuse in Pakistan. Requesting various human rights organizations to advocate on their behalf, Afghan refugees expressed that despite possessing valid legal documents, they face threats of illegal detention, deportation, and discrimination.