Court protects Afghan refugees by halting unlawful deportations in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the Peshawar High Court has recently intervened to protect Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards from unlawful detention and deportation. On April 9, 2025, the court issued a ruling that stops all law enforcement agencies from executing any actions against these individuals until June 30, 2025. This decision arose in response to concerns from petitioners who reported incidents of harassment and unlawful behavior by local police and administrative bodies against PoR card holders. The court's ruling followed a petition by several Afghan nationals, supported by Barrister Sarwar Muzaffar Shah, who highlighted the distress faced by the Afghan community in Pakistan. The federal government had previously issued a notification on July 22, 2024, extending the validity of PoR cards until June 30, 2025. The court recognized that the government had not made any decision regarding the immediate deportation of these individuals, thus clarifying that law enforcement could not unlawfully interfere in their lives until the set date. The ruling also emphasized the necessity of complying with decisions made by the federal government while allowing room for the possibility of extensions beyond June 30, 2025, contingent upon future governmental action. It instructed key government representatives, including the deputy attorney general and additional advocate general, to ensure compliance with the court's order among local authorities. This moment is crucial for Afghan refugees, who have faced increasing hostility in Pakistan, where the government has strived towards a 'no concessions' policy regarding immigrant nationals. Moreover, the publication notes that numerous Afghan refugees remain stranded in Pakistan as they await promised repatriation to Western countries. Such delays have created dire circumstances for these individuals, many of whom risk their safety and liberty if forcibly returned to Afghanistan. The plight of the Afghan refugees is further compounded by the slow response from Western nations who pledged their support but have failed to expedite visas and provide asylum. Overall, the situation underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to safeguard the rights and well-being of Afghan refugees amid shifting policies and rising tensions within the region.