Pakistan is set to remove all Afghan refugees from the country, sparking concerns and warnings from the Afghan embassy in Islamabad. The embassy issued a statement highlighting that Afghan nationals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have faced arrests, searches, and orders to relocate to other parts of Pakistan without formal communication.
The Afghan embassy expressed serious concerns over Pakistan's plans to deport all Afghan refugees, including those registered with UNHCR. While authorities have extended the stay of registered refugees until June 2025, those living illegally in Pakistan face imminent expulsion.
The Pakistani government has not officially commented on the situation, which comes after recent threats to deport Afghan nationals living in the country illegally. The Afghan embassy has raised objections to the mass expulsion of refugees and the unilateral nature of Pakistan's decision.
Pakistan has set a deadline of March 31 to expel Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with preparations for deportation underway if they are not relocated to host countries agreed upon after the Taliban's takeover in 2021.
Since then, tens of thousands of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan, with many awaiting resettlement in the U.S. However, delays in U.S. refugee programs have left around 20,000 Afghans in limbo in Pakistan, facing uncertainty and challenges.
Amid a crackdown on foreigners living illegally in Pakistan, more than 800,000 Afghan nationals have been deported or forced to leave the country under a voluntary repatriation plan. The International Organization for Migration has reported an increase in deportations of Afghans, with a notable rise in returns to Afghanistan in January.
As tensions escalate and Afghan refugees face uncertainty, calls for international support and action to address their plight have grown. The situation remains fluid, with Afghan nationals in Pakistan hoping for a resolution that ensures their safety and well-being.
