What Lies Ahead for Afghans Seeking Refuge in Pakistan?
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Synopsis
As thousands of Afghans in Pakistan confront an uncertain future due to harsh repatriation policies, a humanitarian crisis unfolds. The return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan raises concerns about safety and rights, especially for vulnerable groups. This article explores the implications of these policies and the urgent call for a humane refugee law.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands of Afghans in Pakistan are facing forced repatriation.
- Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, are at significant risk.
- Concerns over the humanitarian situation in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan are growing.
- The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has criticized the government’s actions.
- Many refugees are returning to a country in crisis.
Kabul, Aug 13 (NationPress) A significant number of Afghans residing in Pakistan, particularly those who fled following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, now confront a precarious future due to the Sharif government’s renewed Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, according to a report. Since the policy's revival in late 2023, a nationwide operation has targeted undocumented Afghan refugees.
In just April, more than 144,000 Afghans returned to Afghanistan, with nearly 30,000 being forcibly deported. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated enforcement actions in major urban areas, including Islamabad, resulting in police operations that have led to the detention and relocation of Afghan families to deportation facilities, reports the Afghan news agency Khaama Press.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned these measures as a form of forced repatriation, which contradicts international law. Various vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, have been severely affected by the decisions made by Pakistani authorities.
Afghan girls, raised in Pakistan, are particularly vulnerable as they are being sent back to a country where the Taliban has imposed restrictions on girls' education. Elsa Imdad Hussain from the Centre for Research and Security Studies has urged for a refugee law that prioritizes “human and gender-centric” approaches, but her appeals have gone unanswered.
Returning Afghan refugees are facing dire circumstances in a nation grappling with economic collapse, climate crises, and humanitarian disasters. The Taliban administration has offered minimal assistance to those repatriated from Pakistan, with families resorting to living in tent settlements, the report indicates.
Afghan officials have accused Pakistan of exploiting refugees for political gain, while the Taliban's Acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund has criticized what he calls a “cruel attitude,” according to Khaama Press. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan persist despite the Taliban pledging that Afghan territory will not be used against Islamabad.
There are reports that holders of the PoR card, despite being authorized to remain until June, are facing arrests and detentions. Afghan-owned small businesses are also collapsing under the crackdown by Pakistani authorities, with allegations that some locals, including so-called “front men” in property documentation, are taking advantage of departing Afghans, according to the report.
Point of View
It is crucial to understand the complexities surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan. While the government aims to enforce immigration laws, the humanitarian implications must be prioritized. A balanced approach is necessary, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks while safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan?
Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing a renewed crackdown due to the government's Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, leading to arrests and forced repatriations.
How many Afghans have returned to Afghanistan recently?
In April alone, over 144,000 Afghans returned to Afghanistan, with nearly 30,000 being deported.
What are the implications for Afghan women and children?
Afghan women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing threats to their rights and safety as they are sent back to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
What does the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan say about this situation?
The HRCP has condemned the actions as forced repatriation, inconsistent with international law, affecting vulnerable groups.
What support do returning refugees receive from the Taliban?
Reports indicate that the Taliban offers limited support to returning refugees, many of whom end up in precarious living conditions.
