Pakistan resumes forced deportation of Afghan refugees amid UN concerns
- Authorities in Pakistan are enforcing the deportation of Afghan refugees after their Proof of Registration cards expired at the end of June.
- This policy affects around 1.4 million Afghans, many of whom hoped for an extension to settle their affairs.
- The decision has raised international concerns about the potential destabilization of Afghanistan and the safety of returning refugees.
In Pakistan, authorities have recently reinstated the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, impacting approximately 1.4 million individuals whose Proof of Registration (PoR) cards have expired. This decision was made after the government declined to extend a crucial deadline set for the refugees' legal stay, prompting many to return to Afghanistan despite adverse circumstances. Reports indicate that some refugees had anticipated a one-year extension to manage personal and business affairs, but the end of June marked the cutoff for their stay. The latest move comes in the context of increased scrutiny from international organizations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which warns that such actions could lead to destabilization in Afghanistan. The United Nations has noted that at least 1.2 million Afghans have been repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in the recent past, underscoring a concerning trend of forced returns. The Taliban's governance in Afghanistan, established in 2021, has further complicated the situation, raising fears among refugees about their safety and livelihoods in their home country. Pakistan's government has emphasized that those Afghans remaining without valid travel documents are living in the country illegally. A notification issued on July 31 confirmed the stringent steps being taken to ensure repatriation, including house-to-house checks by police. Criticism of these actions has been voiced by refugee agency officials, who argue sending people back under such conditions violates international obligations and could pose risks not just to the refugees, but also threaten regional stability. As families like that of Rehmat Ullah prepare to leave Pakistan after decades of residence, concerns grow over potential disruptions to education and daily life that their children will face upon returning. With many Afghans having fled to Pakistan for refuge from prolonged conflicts and economic struggles over the past four decades, the unfolding situation raises important ethical questions about humanitarian responsibilities and the challenges of refugee management in the context of international relations and obligations.