KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Pakistani government has postponed the forced deportation of Afghan migrants by ten days because of Eid al-Fitr holidays, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.
However, despite the delay, Afghan refugees in Pakistan remain on edge as authorities intensify efforts to detain and expel undocumented individuals.
Under Pakistan’s policy, holders of Proof of Registration (POR) cards will be allowed to stay until June 30, while those with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) must leave voluntarily or face forced removal.
Islamabad aims to deport three million Afghan migrants this year. Since October 2023, approximately 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The uncertainty has fueled anxiety among the Afghan refugee community.
“It’s clear from Pakistan’s actions that those with ACC cards will be expelled soon,” said Malik Awal Shinwari, an Afghan refugee. “This has created a climate of fear among Afghan migrants.”
Amid these concerns, the UNHCR’s representative in Pakistan, Philippa Candler, reiterated that forced repatriation is not a sustainable solution.
She emphasized the need for a bilateral approach, urging Afghanistan and Pakistan to cooperate on voluntary returns.
“Sustainable return means creating a peaceful and secure environment in Afghanistan so that refugees do not fear persecution or discrimination upon return. Afghanistan’s recovery must be supported in areas like education, healthcare, and jobs, particularly for women and girls,” Candler stated.
Taliban has also weighed in, calling for an end to forced expulsions. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the group’s Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, urged host countries to reconsider their stance. “We ask our neighbors to halt the forced removal of Afghan migrants. It is our duty to ensure their safe return to their original homes,” he said.
International organizations, including Amnesty International, have also condemned Pakistan’s deportation policy, demanding an immediate halt to the forced removals.
