Afghanistan Peace CampaignMeanwhile, the Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that the Rawalpindi police chief has issued orders to arrest and deport undocumented Afghan migrants.
The Associated Press has reported, based on a document it obtained, that the process of arresting and deporting Afghan migrants from Pakistan has been postponed for another ten days due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that the Rawalpindi police chief has issued orders to arrest and deport undocumented Afghan migrants.
According to Dawn, holders of POR (Proof of Registration) cards are allowed to stay in Pakistan until June 30, while holders of ACC (Afghan Citizen Cards) must voluntarily leave the country, otherwise, they will face forced deportation.
“The forced deportation of refugees from Pakistan should be reconsidered. Those who have lived in Pakistan for years deserve an alternative. Pakistan should adopt a new approach that benefits both Pakistan and Afghanistan,” said Nazar Nazari, a refugee rights activist.
“We urge the Pakistani government to change its decision regarding Afghans. Our sons are studying in Pakistan; their education will be disrupted,” said Gul Jamal, an Afghan migrant.
“According to Pakistan’s statements, pressure on migrants is increasing. Those with ACC cards are being returned to their country. This situation has caused anxiety among Afghan migrants who are very upset,” said Malik Awal Shinwari, another Afghan migrant in Pakistan.
However, the UNHCR representative in Pakistan Philippa Candler stated that the forced return of Afghan migrants is not a sustainable solution and benefits no one. She emphasized the need for a multilateral approach and called for joint efforts between the two countries to ensure voluntary repatriation.
Philippa Candler further added that many of those deported from Pakistan in 2023 have returned again.
The UNHCR representative also said: “Sustainable return means creating a peaceful and secure environment in Afghanistan, so refugees don’t have to fear persecution or discrimination when they go back. Afghanistan’s recovery must be supported, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and jobs, so that refugees – especially women and girls – can reintegrate without facing even more challenges.”
“It’s Eid. People are worried and don’t know how to enjoy this occasion. A statement was published on the UNHCR website stating that Afghanistan and Pakistan should work together to find a solution for Afghan migrants,” said Ehsanullah Ahmadzai, another refugee rights activist.
Meanwhile, the acting minister of refugees and repatriation called on host countries to stop the forced deportation of Afghan migrants.
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the acting minister of refugees and repatriations, said: “We ask neighboring countries to prevent the forced expulsion of migrants. It is our responsibility to return all Afghan migrants and internally displaced persons to their original areas.”
Earlier, Amnesty International also called for the immediate cancellation of the forced deportation plan of Afghan migrants from Pakistan.