Pakistan has implemented a plan to expel 3 million Afghan refugees from the country, with a deadline for them to leave the capital and surrounding areas expiring. This move is part of a crackdown on illegal immigrants, mainly Afghans, that began in October 2023 and has faced criticism from rights groups, the Taliban government, and the United Nations. While arrests and deportations were set to begin, they have been delayed until after Ramadan due to the holidays.
According to figures from the International Organization for Migration, over 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan in the past 18 months, but around 3 million still remain. Some have proof of registration or Afghan citizen cards, while others lack proper documentation and are in the country illegally. Pakistan has stated that once the Afghans are deported, they will not be allowed to return.
Afghans with Afghan citizen cards were required to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31, while those with proof of registration have until June 30. Authorities aim to work with foreign diplomatic missions for the resettlement of Afghans, but those who are not resettled will also face deportation from Pakistan.
The process has raised concerns about the fate of children born in Pakistan to Afghan parents, families with different document types, and individuals like Nazir Ahmed, who have never been to Afghanistan and have no connections there. The Afghan refugee ministry expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s unilateral decisions and called for a more dignified deportation process.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
