The United Nations refugee and migration agencies have expressed their concern over Pakistan's recent decision to deport thousands of Afghan refugees who were awaiting relocation to the United States and other countries. The UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration issued a joint statement seeking clarification from Pakistan, which announced its intention to deport the refugees back to Afghanistan if their relocation cases were not processed promptly by the receiving countries.
Approximately 20,000 Afghans had been approved for resettlement in the U.S. under a program designed to assist individuals at risk due to their work with American government entities, media organizations, aid agencies, and human rights groups. These individuals had sought refuge in Pakistan following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 but found themselves in a state of uncertainty after the U.S. refugee programs were paused by former President Donald Trump.
The UNHCR-issued non-return advisory, in effect since 2021, calls for a halt to the forced return of Afghan nationals from any country, regardless of their status. Pakistan's Prime Minister authorized the eviction of Afghans without proper documentation from Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31, with deportation looming if they were not relocated to their host countries.
The UNHCR and IOM expressed particular concern for Afghan nationals facing risks upon return, including ethnic and religious minorities, women and girls, journalists, human rights activists, and individuals in artistic professions such as musicians. Recent reports of increased arrests of Afghan nationals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have caused significant distress among the community.
The suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program from January 27 for at least three months has further complicated the situation for Afghans hoping to travel to the United States. Since 2023, Afghans in Pakistan have been living in hiding due to a crackdown on undocumented foreigners, leading to the voluntary return or deportation of an estimated 800,000 Afghans despite objections from U.N. agencies, rights groups, and the Taliban.
While thousands of Afghans await relocation to host countries, approximately 1.45 million Afghan nationals registered with UNHCR as refugees in Pakistan have had their stay extended until June. The UNHCR and IOM have urged Pakistan to implement relocation measures in line with human rights standards and to consider the legal status of long-term residents in the country.
Both agencies have commended Pakistan for its history of hosting refugees and expressed their commitment to collaborating with the government to develop mechanisms for registering, managing, and screening Afghan nationals in the country. This collaborative effort aims to provide tailored solutions, including international protection, to those in need and establish pathways for Afghan nationals with longstanding ties to Pakistan.
