Pakistan's recent decisions aimed at deporting Afghan refugees have sparked significant concern among humanitarian organizations and civil rights advocates. Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's approval of a multistage plan, nearly 3 million Afghans living within the country could face mass deportation. This includes those who are legally declared refugees and those awaiting relocation to Western countries.
The detailed plan, seen by media outlets, mandates the immediate relocation of all Afghans from Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi to designated camps prior to deportation back to Afghanistan. Notably, the document instructs officials to refrain from publicizing any announcements pertaining to the deportations, raising alarms about transparency and the treatment of vulnerable populations.
On Wednesday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) jointly issued statements expressing their apprehensions. They sought clarity on the modalities and timeline of this proposed relocation, emphasizing the importance of incorporating human rights standards during implementation. "Forced return to Afghanistan could place some people at increased risk," stated Philippa Candler, the UNHCR country representative. She underscored the need to protect those Afghans who are particularly at risk, regardless of their documentation status.
This strategic shift by the Pakistani government coincides with the challenges faced by Afghan refugees since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, coupled with the Taliban's return to power. Since then, many Afghans have sought refuge across the border, fearing retribution for their previous associations with U.S. and NATO forces. While Pakistan hosts over 1.4 million legal Afghan refugees, the government has decided to forcibly repatriate undocumented migrants, numbering more than 800,000 since its crackdown began.
Afghan journalist Mahmood Kochai, who had hoped for resettlement to the United States with his family, epitomizes the sense of despair among many Afghans. After his family’s travel plans were scuttled by the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), Kochai lamented, "Everything is going from bad to worse." His sentiments reflect the broader plight of Afghan nationals caught between the Pakistani authorities, which have ramped up deportations, and the uncertain immigration processes of Western nations.
According to reports, the Pakistani government aims to deport around 40,000 Afghans by the end of March, particularly those whose cases for resettlement have languished. The strict approach appears to be driven by the increased criminal activities attributed to Afghan nationals within Pakistan. Pakistani officials argued such measures are necessary for national security, reflecting concerns about illegal migrants contributing to local unrest.
International agencies recognize Pakistan's legitimate security concerns but urge the government to exercise caution. The overwhelming majority of Afghan nationals residing there are law-abiding individuals facing dire humanitarian challenges. Mio Sato, the IOM chief of mission, has articulated the importance of creating systems to manage and register Afghan refugees more effectively, thereby fostering pathways for those with existing ties to the country.
Meanwhile, the deportation strategy not only poses risks to Afghan nationals but also reaffirms the growing fears of what returning to Afghanistan entails. The Taliban’s harsh policies against dissenters, particularly ethnic minorities, women, and individuals associated with foreign governments, augment the urgency of the situation. Journalists, human rights activists, and those connected to Western organizations fear severe repercussions upon their return.
The situation remains fluid, with calls for the Pakistani government to balance its security measures against humanitarian obligations continuing to grow. Both the UNHCR and IOM advocate for policies allowing Afghan refugees to remain safe during this tumultuous period, imploring authorities to humanely manage the resettlement and relocation processes.
This mass deportation scenario also intersects with the stalled U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, as revelations surface about the state of at least 15,000 Afghan allies seeking refuge but facing bureaucratic delays. Reports indicate many have had their travel plans disrupted or have been unsuccessful at seeking refuge even after securing visas.
Overall, the plight of Afghan refugees highlights the complex interplay of humanitarian needs and national security concerns. The repercussions of these policies will not only impact Afghan lives but also shape Pakistan's relations with global human rights entities as the world watches closely.