Amnesty International (AI) has called on the Pakistani government to stop the arbitrary detention and harassment of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. This plea arises amid reports of widespread abuses by law enforcement, featuring distressing night raids and the detaining of numerous Afghan individuals, including vulnerable women and children. AI asserts that such actions represent a broader discriminatory policy against Afghan nationals, further jeopardizing their already vulnerable status in Pakistan.
AI highlights the imposition of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for Afghan refugees in Islamabad, complicating an already challenging situation for those seeking refuge. These measures are described as violations of international human rights standards that elevate the dangers faced by Afghan refugees, prompting many to contemplate a perilous return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Babu Ram Pant, AI’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, pointed out that even individuals with valid documentation are not spared from harassment and detention. The organization urges Pakistani authorities to fulfill their legal obligations by releasing confined individuals and abolishing the NOC requirement altogether, emphasizing the urgent need for humane treatment of Afghan refugees.
Pakistan has long been a sanctuary for Afghan refugees fleeing decades of conflict. However, recent months have seen an escalation in arrests and deportations, exacerbated by new policies that increase the vulnerabilities faced by these populations. This troubling shift in policy contradicts international duties to provide refuge to those in need.
As of January 2025, the situation for Afghan refugees is dire, marked by over 400,000 individuals returning to Afghanistan since a government ultimatum began on November 1, 2023. This ultimatum mandated the expulsion of undocumented foreigners, predominantly affecting the estimated 1.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, forcing many into harsh realities upon their return.
Upon arriving in Afghanistan, many refugees confront severe hardships and lack essential resources. The dire reality particularly impacts women and children, who face escalating risks under the Taliban’s rule. AI’s appeals underline a rising consensus among human rights advocates for Pakistan to adhere more closely to international law standards, igniting calls for lasting solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of refugees within its borders.
Amnesty International urges Pakistan to end the arbitrary detention and harassment of Afghan refugees amid reports of widespread abuses. The organization emphasizes the discriminatory policies targeting Afghan nationals, the burdens of new documentation requirements, and the harsh realities faced by returning refugees. AI demands adherence to legal obligations to protect refugees’ rights as the situation deteriorates.
Amnesty International’s recent call to action highlights the urgent need for Pakistan to halt the arbitrary detention and harassment of Afghan refugees. The deteriorating conditions for these individuals, exacerbated by the imposition of burdensome policies like the NOC, underscore the broader human rights crisis unfolding in the region. As international advocates push for reforms, the stakes remain high for countless families facing uncertain futures.
The ongoing plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has become increasingly dire, as many were initially welcomed into the country due to decades of conflict in Afghanistan. However, recent policies have begun to shift, leading to greater vulnerability and fear among these populations. With an increasing number of Afghan refugees being deported and facing dire conditions upon their return home, the call for human rights advocacy has grown louder. This context is essential for understanding AI’s latest appeal and the exigency of their demands.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
