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Pakistan Moves Forward with Afghan Migrant Expulsion Plan
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistan is proceeding with its plan to expel three million Afghan migrants this year, as the deadline for voluntary departure from the capital and adjacent areas concluded on Monday. This action is the most recent phase of a nationwide crackdown initiated in October 2023, aimed at expelling foreign nationals residing in Pakistan without legal authorization, predominantly Afghans. The campaign has faced criticism from human rights organizations, the Taliban administration, and the United Nations.
Revised Deportation Timeline
Although arrests and deportations were initially scheduled to commence on Tuesday, they have been postponed to April 10 due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays, marking the conclusion of Ramadan. This adjustment was indicated in government documents reviewed by The Associated Press.
Significant Afghan Departures Already Recorded
Data from the International Organization for Migration reveals that approximately 845,000 Afghans have already departed Pakistan in the preceding 18 months. Despite these departures, Pakistan asserts that 3 million Afghans remain in the country.
Breakdown of Afghan Migrant Status
- Proof of Registration Cards: 1,344,584 individuals
- Afghan Citizen Cards: 807,402 individuals
- Undocumented Afghans: Approximately 1 million individuals lacking formal paperwork and residing in the country without legal permission.
Government Stance on Return Migration
Pakistani authorities have declared their intention to ensure that deported Afghans do not re-enter the country after expulsion. Officials had mandated that Afghan Citizen Card holders depart from Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31, either by voluntarily returning to Afghanistan or facing deportation.
Details on Residency Permits and Resettlement
Individuals holding Proof of Registration are permitted to remain in Pakistan until June 30. However, Afghans intending to resettle in third countries were also required to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31.
Collaboration with Diplomatic Missions
Authorities have stated their commitment to collaborate with foreign diplomatic missions to facilitate the resettlement of Afghans. Should resettlement efforts prove unsuccessful, these individuals will also be subject to deportation from Pakistan.
Impact of Previous Afghan Influx
Tens of thousands of Afghans sought refuge following the Taliban’s ascent to power in 2021. Many were approved for resettlement in the U.S. through a program designed to aid individuals at risk due to their affiliations with the American government, media outlets, aid organizations, and human rights groups.
Current Status of US Refugee Programs
However, the suspension of U.S. refugee programs initiated by former President Donald Trump has left approximately 20,000 Afghans in a state of uncertainty.
Afghan Government’s Perspective
Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Refugee Ministry, conveyed to The Associated Press that Pakistan’s decisions are being made unilaterally, without the involvement of the U.N. refugee agency or the Taliban government.
Concerns over Unilateral Deportations
“We have communicated our concerns, stating that unilaterally expelling refugees is not in the interest of either nation,” Haqqani stated. “It is not in their interest because such deportations foster animosity towards Pakistan.”
Challenges for Afghanistan
“For Afghanistan, managing the return of such a large number of Afghans presents a considerable challenge. We have requested that deportations be conducted through a structured mechanism and mutual understanding to ensure returnees can go back with dignity.”
Establishment of Transit Stations
To manage the deportations, two transit stations are being established in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. One will be situated in Nasir Bagh, located in the Peshawar suburbs, and the second in Landi Kotal, a border town near the Torkham crossing.
Uncertainty for Vulnerable Afghan Families
The status of children born in Pakistan to Afghan parents, binational couples with differing documentation, and families with mixed Pakistani-Afghan parentage remains unclear. However, officials have indicated to the AP that social welfare personnel will be available to provide assistance in such cases.
Personal Accounts of Affected Individuals
Omaid Khan, 30, an Afghan Citizen Card holder, faces expulsion while his wife, possessing Proof of Registration, is permitted to stay until June 30. Their two children lack documentation from either nation.
Omaid Khan’s Testimony
“I originate from Paktia province, yet I have never resided there and remain uncertain about my future,” he expressed.
Nazir Ahmed, 21, born in Quetta, Pakistan, has never been to Afghanistan. His sole connection to the country was through his father, who passed away in Quetta four years prior.
Nazir Ahmed’s Plea
“How can we relocate there?” Ahmed questioned. “We have limited acquaintances in Afghanistan. All our relatives reside in Quetta. What will become of us if we are sent there? We appeal to the Pakistani government to grant us additional time to explore opportunities and secure employment at the very least.”