Have Afghan Migrants Experienced a Rise in Forced Deportations from Pakistan?
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Synopsis
Afghan migrants in Pakistan are increasingly anxious as forced deportations rise following visa expirations. With calls for humane treatment, the situation highlights the challenges faced by refugees amid ongoing instability in Afghanistan. What does the future hold for these vulnerable communities?
Key Takeaways
- Significant rise in forced deportations of Afghan migrants from Pakistan.
- Intensified actions by authorities following visa expirations.
- Concerns raised by international organizations for humane treatment.
- Afghan migrants face serious hardships due to the government's refusal to extend visas.
- Humanitarian experts warn of risks associated with mass deportations.
Kabul, Sep 5 (NationPress) Afghan migrants currently residing in Pakistan have reported an alarming increase in forced deportations from the nation in recent days. Afghan migrants claim that the Pakistani government has intensified the process of their forced removal following the expiration of the stipulated deadline on August 31, as highlighted by local media on Friday.
Mir Miakhil, a spokesperson for Afghan migrants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed, "Individuals are genuinely distressed because they have been conducting business here for nearly 40 years, and dismantling everything in such a brief timeframe is inconceivable."
Atiqullah Mansoor, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, indicated that Pakistani authorities have ramped up deportations despite repeated pleas from both migrants and international organizations, as reported by Afghanistan's prominent news outlet Tolo News.
Mansoor stated, "Not only did they not cease the deportations, but they escalated the process. We and various international organizations have consistently urged the Pakistani government to conduct deportations in a gradual and safe manner."
Numerous other Afghan migrants have criticized the Pakistani government's decision against extending their visas. Migrants reported facing significant challenges due to the government's refusal to grant visa extensions.
Some activists advocating for migrant rights emphasized the necessity of addressing the issues faced by refugees and urged the Pakistani government to halt forced deportations until the situation in Afghanistan stabilizes.
Another Afghan migrant, Mohammad Reza Sazesh, mentioned that Afghan refugees are encountering an array of difficulties. Migrant rights advocate Jamal Muslim added, "Pakistan must adhere to its fundamental responsibilities. Even now, thousands of Afghan refugees possessing legal documentation are being subjected to humiliation."
Pakistan has initiated the detention of Afghan migrants following the expiration of their residency permits, amidst reports of severe congestion at border crossings like Torkham, where many Afghans are attempting to exit Pakistan, according to Afghan news agency Khaama Press.
The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued directives to apprehend and deport Afghan migrants whose residency permits expired at the beginning of this week. Authorities have instructed law enforcement agencies to provide daily updates regarding the detentions of Afghan nationals. Police units have been deployed to locate and detain undocumented Afghan migrants.
Pakistan is persistently enforcing its strategy to deport approximately 1.4 million Afghans holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, despite numerous appeals from international organizations to halt deportations. Additionally, around 800,000 Afghans with Afghan citizenship cards residing illegally in Pakistan also face deportation, according to officials, as reported by Khaama Press.
Humanitarian experts have cautioned that mass deportations could expose Afghan families to increased risks, including economic hardship, social instability, and potential exploitation at the borders. International agencies are urging both Pakistan and Afghanistan to engage in dialogue to ensure the safe and humane treatment of Afghan migrants.
Point of View
We stand firm in our commitment to report on the plight of Afghan migrants in Pakistan. The increase in forced deportations raises urgent humanitarian concerns that demand immediate attention from both national and international entities. Our focus remains on advocating for the rights and safety of these individuals, ensuring that their voices are heard.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons behind the increased deportations of Afghan migrants from Pakistan?
The increased deportations are primarily attributed to the expiration of residency permits and the Pakistani government's decision not to extend visas for Afghan migrants. This has led to intensified actions by authorities to remove undocumented individuals.
How are Afghan migrants reacting to the deportations?
Afghan migrants have expressed significant anxiety and distress over the deportations, as many have lived and worked in Pakistan for decades. They are calling for gradual and safe deportation processes.
What measures are international organizations taking regarding this situation?
International organizations are urging the Pakistani government to halt deportations and to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan to ensure the humane treatment of Afghan migrants.
What challenges are Afghan migrants facing in Pakistan?
Afghan migrants are facing numerous challenges, including economic hardship, legal uncertainties, and social stigma, particularly after the refusal of the Pakistani government to extend their visas.
What is the impact of mass deportations on Afghan families?
Mass deportations can lead to heightened risks for Afghan families, including economic instability, social unrest, and potential exploitation, particularly along border areas.
