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Human rights

Pakistan's Mass Deportation of Afghans Sparks International Concern

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Human rights groups and the UN are calling for urgent action over Pakistan's decision to expel three million Afghans from the country, with many expected to face severe humanitarian consequences. The deadline for those being targeted to leave the capital, Islamabad, and surrounding areas expired on April 10, prompting mass deportations. Around 60,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the border to Afghanistan this month, while an estimated 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan over the past 18 months. Pakistan claims that three million Afghans remain, with 1,344,584 holding Proof of Registration cards and 807,402 holding Afghan Citizen Cards, while a further one million Afghans are in the country illegally with no paperwork.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN has expressed concerns that millions of Afghans, including women, girls, LGBTI persons, ethnic and religious minorities, and former government officials, are at risk of being pushed back to Afghanistan without regard for their safety and wellbeing.
  • The most vulnerable groups, including children, persons with disabilities, and older persons, are particularly susceptible to exploitation, trafficking, child marriage, and abuse.
  • Amnesty International's deputy regional director for South Asia, Babu Ram Pant, has stated that the ongoing deportations pose a serious threat to the lives of those at risk of persecution, given the Taliban's history of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, and collective punishment.
  • The Afghan Human Rights Foundation's Glasgow-based director, Mohammad Asif, has highlighted the economic consequences of the deportations, citing the significant contribution of Afghan-run businesses to the Pakistani economy.
  • The deportations are expected to lead to a surge in humanitarian needs, including food, shelter, and healthcare, for displaced Afghans and local communities.
  • Pakistani authorities have been urged to immediately reverse the decision to deport Afghan nationals and develop legitimate pathways for refugees and asylum seekers.
  • An estimated three million Afghans remain in Pakistan, with 1,344,584 holding Proof of Registration cards, 807,402 holding Afghan Citizen Cards, and one million Afghans living in the country without any documentation.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 60,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the border to Afghanistan this month.
  • 845,000 Afghans have left Pakistan over the past 18 months, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration.
  • 3 million Afghans remain in Pakistan, including those with Proof of Registration cards and Afghan Citizen Cards.
  • 1,344,584 Afghans hold Proof of Registration cards, while 807,402 have Afghan Citizen Cards.
  • An additional one million Afghans are in the country illegally with no paperwork.
  • The UN has warned that millions of Afghans are at risk of being pushed back to Afghanistan, including women, girls, LGBTI persons, ethnic and religious minorities, and former government officials.

Sources:

  • The Sunday Post
  • Amnesty International
  • International Organization for Migration
  • Afghan Human Rights Foundation
  • United Nations
  • International Organization for Migration

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