Pakistan Intensifies Arrests of Afghan Refugees Amid Deportation Concerns
Pakistan has heightened arrests of Afghan citizens, prompting allegations from the Afghan Embassy that the government aims to expel refugees. The Pakistani authorities refute this, asserting intentions to support the safe return of Afghans. A deadline for deportation has been established, and the fate of thousands of Afghans awaiting resettlement hangs in the balance.
Authorities in Pakistan have intensified the arrests of Afghan citizens in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi, prompting the Afghan Embassy to accuse the Pakistani government of seeking to expel all Afghan refugees from the country. In response, Pakistan’s foreign ministry refuted these claims, asserting that the measures aim to facilitate the safe return of Afghans to their homeland. Pakistan has long vowed to deport those Afghans residing illegally within its borders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a March 31 deadline for the deportation of Afghans awaiting relocation to third countries unless their cases are promptly processed by the respective governments. The International Organization for Migration reports the return or forceful expulsion of over 800,000 Afghans from Pakistan since 2023. The Afghan Embassy condemned the short notice given for these actions and criticized the unilateral decisions of Islamabad.
According to the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad, numerous Afghans are facing arrests, police searches, and directives to relocate, with the embassy declaring that imminent expulsion is not formally communicated by Pakistani authorities to Kabul. Currently, more than half a million Afghans reside in Pakistan without valid documentation, many of whom are awaiting resettlement in the United States and other nations.
In addition to the irregular migrants, approximately 1.45 million Afghan refugees are registered with the U.N. refugee agency, having fled during historical conflicts. Despite a recent extension of stay until June 2025 for registered refugees, the latest decisions by Sharif seem to reverse this policy, aligning with a broader crackdown on undocumented migrants.
The Afghan Embassy revealed a definitive plan for the nationwide deportation of Afghan refugees, a shocking move considering prior assurances about refugee status. The Pakistani foreign ministry emphasized that while they have employed efforts towards the repatriation process, they expect Afghan authorities to ensure that returnees can reintegrate into Afghan society seamlessly.
Following the suspension of U.S. refugee programs, around 20,000 Afghans in Pakistan await their fate. Ahmad Shah, involved with Afghan advocacy, urged the Pakistani government to permit these individuals to remain in Islamabad until the U.S. administration reaches a conclusion regarding their relocation, highlighting potential difficulties in navigating the process from other regions.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s recent crackdown on Afghan citizens has raised significant concerns regarding the fate of refugees and migrants residing in the country. The Afghan Embassy’s accusations and Pakistan’s insistence on facilitating returns underline the complexity of Afghan-Pakistani relations. As many Afghans remain in a state of legal limbo, the impact of these actions on their future remains precarious, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and support from both governments and international entities.
Original Source: apnews.com
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