Growing Concerns Among Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing heightened anxiety due to the suspension of visa extension services, which has led to fears of forced deportation and increased harassment by local authorities. According to recent reports, the invalidation of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards has made it increasingly difficult for Afghan nationals to remain legally in the country. This development coincides with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to deport large numbers of Afghan refugees.
Mohammad Reza Sazesh, an Afghan resident in Pakistan, described the situation as extremely challenging. He mentioned that arrests are happening frequently, and there is currently no processing of visa or passport renewals. The suspension of these services follows statements from senior Pakistani officials indicating that PoR cards would no longer be renewed, creating a sense of fear and uncertainty among the refugee population.
Atiqullah Mansoor, another Afghan refugee, highlighted the difficulties faced by those living in Pakistan. He noted that refugees cannot resolve their long-term affairs within a short time frame, adding to their distress. Tolo News reported that during earlier waves of deportation, thousands of Afghan nationals were expelled without sufficient time to collect their belongings or safeguard personal property.
The actions taken by Pakistan could potentially lead to another humanitarian crisis, especially since other countries are beginning to follow suit. Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, a refugee rights activist, warned that this could have serious consequences. In addition to Pakistan’s measures, Iran continues to deport Afghan migrants, further pressuring vulnerable populations in the region.
The decline in international aid for Afghan returnees has also raised global concerns about worsening economic conditions within Afghanistan itself. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has flagged cases of involuntary returns from neighboring countries, citing serious human rights violations. According to UNAMA’s latest report, a significant number of Afghan citizens have been forcibly returned from Pakistan and Iran, particularly since 2023, raising major concerns over the treatment of returnees, especially women and girls.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that no one should be sent back to a country where they face risks of persecution based on their identity or personal history. He specifically highlighted the situation for Afghan women and girls, who are subjected to various restrictions and pressures solely because of their gender.
In response to Turk’s remarks, Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, rejected the UN’s claims. He stated that all returning migrants benefit from the general amnesty decree, and no one faces political hostility or retaliatory behavior from the authorities. However, he acknowledged that minor and personal incidents have occurred in some areas, which are not political in nature.
Human rights and migration experts have pointed out that both Iran and Pakistan, being members of various international human rights treaties, are obligated to adhere to refugee protection principles. They argue that the deportation of Afghan migrants amid ongoing economic and humanitarian crises in Afghanistan represents a breach of international norms.
Mohammad Hashim Alokozai, a political analyst, told Tolo News that Iran, Pakistan, and the international community are violating human rights. He called for coordination between Pakistan and Iran to ensure that the rights of migrants are not violated during deportations.
Tolo News further reported that official sources have confirmed the forced return of over two million Afghan migrants since October 2023, a figure that has alarmed global human rights organizations and advocacy groups. The situation continues to evolve, with growing concerns over the treatment of Afghan refugees and the implications for regional stability.
