Afghan refugees in Pakistan fear uncertain future if deported

As of April 8, 2025, a significant number of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan are facing a dire situation due to government-enforced deportations. Following a deadline that passed on March 31, many Afghans who fled to Pakistan after the Taliban's emergence in 2021 are now uncertain about their future. This crisis is particularly acute in Swabi, where ongoing discussions with local authorities have highlighted the plight of Afghan families who have established lives and businesses within the country. The current environment in Afghanistan poses numerous challenges, exacerbating the fear and reluctance among refugees to return to their homeland. In Swabi, two primary refugee camps house a total of approximately 53,000 Afghans. The residents have expressed their unwillingness to leave, citing decades of settled life and concerns over the economic stability back home. Meeting participants highlighted that conditions within Afghanistan currently do not provide the necessary security or livelihoods. Many Afghans have built businesses in Pakistan's Mardan camp, and they feel that these ventures could not sustain themselves in a Taliban-governed economy. Afghan refugees mentioned that most illegal immigrants had already returned to Afghanistan, while those with legal documentation were still opting to remain in Pakistan. The fear of uncertainty in Afghanistan plagues those who were born and raised in Pakistan, who now have no familial homes or secure job prospects to look forward to. As the Pakistani government accelerates its crackdown on illegal residents, assistance is being sought to ensure a peaceful repatriation process, but the refugees question the arrangements for their return under Taliban rule. Finally, most Afghan nationals are still pondering their options as the local administration is working to address the matter. The implementation of the repatriation policy plays a significant role in the discussions, but until the refugees feel assured of safe conditions in Afghanistan, their foremost desire is to remain in Pakistan despite the challenges presented by the current situation. The uncertainty about living conditions in Afghanistan remains a significant barrier preventing refugees from returning home, as many still grapple with the implications of life in a war-torn environment compared to their current residence.