Afghan refugees face forced repatriation as Pakistan debates their fate

In Afghanistan, the situation for women and girls continues to deteriorate under the Taliban regime, which started implementing various restrictive decrees aimed at stripping women of their rights. These restrictions have been progressively institutionalized over the last three years, resulting in Afghan women fearing deportation back into a society where fundamental freedoms are denied. In January 2025, an abrupt halt in visa processing for refugees under Trump's administration impacted the resettlement of around 1,660 Afghan refugees, including women and girls already living in dangerous conditions. Rumors of funding cuts for Afghan women studying abroad further compounded the anxiety faced by many. In Pakistan, which hosts around 3.5 million Afghan refugees, the President of Afghan Refugees Pakistan, Muhammad Tadeen Khan Tarakai, has voiced his concerns regarding the federal government's decision to forcibly repatriate Afghan refugees. This proposal is seen as inadequate since many of these individuals do not have homes, jobs, or basic support systems to transition safely back to Afghanistan. Tarakai appealed for negotiations between both governments, urging a reconsideration of the repatriation plan due to the multifaceted complexities involved. Over 1.4 million Afghan refugees are registered with the UNHCR, and there have been various efforts to provide them with documentation and support. Tarakai has specifically called on 53 NGOs to assist the Pakistan government in renewing crossed cards, which could facilitate returning many Afghan nationals to safety and stability. These developments reflect the ongoing humanitarian crisis that many refugees face as pressure mounts on the host nation to find viable resolutions. The plight of those displaced has drawn attention from several organizations and international experts, who argue that the treatment of Afghan women and girls should be recognized as a form of gender apartheid. As negotiations continue, the future for Afghan refugees remains uncertain, leaving many caught in a precarious situation that lacks any immediate solutions or relief and emphasizes the need for international support. Failure to address these issues risks solidifying the cycles of oppression faced by women, making the ongoing humanitarian intervention all the more critical.