Synopsis
On April 9, 2023, Pakistan forcibly deported over 11,371 Afghan refugees to Afghanistan, with many deportees recounting harrowing experiences. The ongoing crackdown continues to impact Afghans who have long resided in Pakistan, prompting condemnation from Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs.Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has deported over 11,371 Afghan refugees.
- Raids are ongoing in Peshawar targeting Afghan nationals.
- Many deportees have lived in Pakistan for decades.
- Afghan Ministry condemns forced deportations as unjust.
- International support is sought for the affected refugees.
Islamabad, April 9 (NationPress) - Pakistan has forcibly sent back 11,371 Afghan refugees to Afghanistan via the Torkham border.
Media reports indicate that over 3,669 Afghan refugees were repatriated at this border crossing on Tuesday alone.
This repatriation has impacted many Afghans who have resided in Pakistan for numerous years, including individuals born in Pakistan who have never set foot in Afghanistan. Following the expiration of the deadline on March 31, the crackdown on Afghan refugees has persisted across the nation.
In the meantime, law enforcement and district administration teams are conducting raids throughout Peshawar, targeting those with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), expired visas, or lacking residential documentation, as reported by Pakistan’s leading daily, The Express Tribune, citing official sources.
Numerous deported individuals have recounted being arrested by Pakistani police while at work and subsequently expelled to Afghanistan, leaving behind their businesses and family members.
“I operated a small hotel in the fruit market. The police raided my establishment, detained me in Haji Camp, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for four nights, and have now deported me via Torkham,” stated Gul Mohammad, an Afghan deportee.
Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan have shared disturbing accounts of their possessions being seized by Pakistani police during forced deportations, compounding the difficulties of an already traumatic journey and future.
Those deported through the Torkham border noted that they were detained and expelled despite possessing valid documents like visas or residency cards. Many refugees lost personal property during these forced deportations orchestrated by Pakistani authorities.
“Our belongings were confiscated. We were treated unjustly,” quoted an Afghan returnee by Afghan media outlet Amu TV.
On Tuesday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs issued a strong statement denouncing the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, deeming it a violation of Islamic principles, humanitarian values, and international laws.
The ministry underscored that such actions are not only unfair but also harmful to the welfare of Afghan families seeking refuge.
“Afghanistan is preparing for the safe return of these refugees, advocating that they be allowed to recover their assets,” the statement further added.
Moreover, the Afghan ministry urged international organizations to provide necessary support to refugees during these challenging times, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure their safe and dignified repatriation, as reported by the Afghan state-run Bakhtar News Agency.
