The United Nations issued a warning on Saturday regarding the potential consequences of forcibly deporting Afghans from Pakistan. Such actions could result in severe human rights violations, including the separation of families and the deportation of minors, the UN cautioned.
Pakistan has recently announced a crackdown on migrants residing in the country without legal status, which includes approximately 1.7 million Afghans. They have been instructed to return to their respective home countries by October 31 in order to avoid the risk of mass arrests and deportation.
While the government of Pakistan denies specifically targeting Afghans, they assert that their focus is on individuals who are residing in the country without legal status, irrespective of their nationality. As part of their efforts, they have mentioned the establishment of a hotline and the offering of rewards to individuals who provide information to authorities about such migrants.
United Nations agencies have expressed concerns about the situation in Afghanistan, which is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis. This crisis has given rise to numerous human rights challenges, particularly affecting women and girls. Under the Taliban’s rule, women and girls face restrictions such as being prohibited from pursuing education beyond the sixth grade. Accessing many public spaces, and obtaining numerous job opportunities.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern that the crackdown on migrants, including Afghans, in Pakistan could have grave consequences for those who have been compelled to leave their home country. It emphasizes that these individuals may encounter significant protection risks upon their return, highlighting the potential seriousness of the situation.
The United Nations agencies recognize Pakistan’s authority to make decisions regarding its domestic policies, acknowledging its sovereign prerogative. They have also expressed their readiness to assist in the registration. And management of Afghan nationals, particularly those who may be in need of international protection.
The International Organization for Migration. And the UN Refugee Agency have called on all countries to refrain from forcibly returning Afghan nationals. And to ensure that any potential returns to Afghanistan occur in a safe, dignified, and voluntary manner.
In response to the government’s crackdown, landlords. And real estate owners in Islamabad have reportedly received notices instructing them to evict “illegal Afghans”. And their families by the end of the month or face legal action. Additionally, police have approached clerics in some of the city’s mosques. And requesting them to inform their congregants about the responsibility to report on Afghans residing in their neighborhoods.
The Information Minister of Pakistan’s southwestern province of Baluchistan, Jan Achakzai, reported that hundreds of Afghan families have voluntarily left Pakistan. And crossed the border since the crackdown announcement. Authorities have detained over 100 individuals, including both Afghans and Iranians, as part of these efforts.
The crackdown has drawn criticism from various quarters, including human rights groups and the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan. deporting Afghans from Pakistan.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan has historically been a refuge for Afghan refugees, with millions fleeing. Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation from 1979 to 1989, leading to one of the world’s largest refugee populations. In the years since, more Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan. And including an estimated 100,000 following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. While Pakistani security forces and police have previously arrested and deported Afghans lacking valid documents. This marks the first time the government has announced such a significant crackdown.