Pakistan Restarts Mass Deportations of Afghan Refugees

Pakistan has resumed the forced deportation of Afghan refugees after allowing a key registration deadline to expire. The move affects about 1.4 million Afghans who held Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. These cards, which granted legal residency, expired at the end of June.

Many refugees had hoped for a one-year extension. They wanted time to finalize personal and business matters before returning to Afghanistan. However, authorities did not grant it. Now, these individuals face forced removal from the country.

In addition to PoR holders, roughly 800,000 Afghans with Afghan Citizen Cards are also being targeted. According to police, these individuals are considered to be living illegally in Pakistan. Deportations are currently underway in provinces including Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh.

UN Expresses Deep Concern

The decision has sparked criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The agency reported that at least 1.2 million Afghans have already been repatriated from Pakistan and Iran this year.

A July 31 government notice confirmed Pakistan’s intention to deport all Afghans without valid passports or visas. The order states that such individuals must leave under immigration laws. Police officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that house-to-house checks are being conducted. While mass arrests are not occurring, random detentions are taking place.

Government Defends Its Actions

Shakeel Khan, commissioner for Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the process aims to maintain dignity. “Yes, Afghan refugees living here illegally are being sent back in a dignified way,” he stated.

Still, for families like that of 35-year-old Rehmat Ullah, the impact is personal. He was born in Peshawar and raised his children there. “My concern is that they will miss their education,” he said.

Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for more than four decades. Millions fled during years of conflict and economic hardship in Afghanistan. However, the recent crackdown began in 2023, with a focus on foreigners without legal documentation.

UN Urges a Gradual Approach

Qaiser Khan Afridi, a spokesperson for the UNHCR, warned that the sudden deportations could destabilize Afghanistan. He called the forced returns a violation of international obligations.

“Sending people back this way amounts to refoulement,” Afridi said. “We urge Pakistan to halt this and allow for a voluntary, safe, and phased return.”

He also praised Pakistan’s historical generosity toward Afghan refugees but emphasized the need for a humane approach.