In the shadows of Pakistan, Zahra Mousavi, an Afghan women’s rights activist, lives in persistent fear after fleeing the oppressive Taliban in March 2022. Having bravely protested against the regime after its return to power, she became a target for socialist oppression and now hides, fearing arrest and deportation back to the dangers of her homeland. With her efforts to secure legal residency thwarted by expensive processes and stringent regulations, her situation worsened when she was detained with her daughter by Pakistani authorities, enduring harsh conditions before being released under pressure from human rights advocates.
Mousavi’s plight mirrors that of many Afghan female activists who are now living in secrecy, as Pakistan’s government seems to intensify deportation drives amidst increasing tensions with the Taliban. Jamila Ahmadi, another activist, has seen friends returned to Afghanistan, where their safety remains precarious. “My activism… has placed me in significant danger,” she shared ominously, stressing the lethal consequences of returning to Taliban rule. Both women reflect an indomitable spirit, having fought even after sustaining grievous injuries from Taliban violence.
The nearing mass repatriation of Afghan refugees comes as relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to fray. Pakistan’s frustration grows over the actions of the Taliban-connected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, prompting Islamabad to repatriate over 800,000 refugees recently. Activists fear that deporting women’s rights defenders back to their perilous homeland is tantamount to sentencing them to torture and death, a sentiment echoed by refugee lawyer Osama Malik, who highlights the immense risks involved.
Ahmadi’s deteriorating mental health mirrors the uncertainty faced by many, resulting from the prolonged fear and tough living conditions under immigration scrutiny. Although Islamabad denies specific targeting of activists, many human rights advocates, including those from the UN Refugee Agency, express alarm over the broader implications of mass deportations, particularly for vulnerable groups facing retribution in Afghanistan.
In a desperate plea for international intervention, Maria Noori urged global leaders to recognise the dire situation. “Being sent back to Afghanistan would mean facing torture, imprisonment, or even death,” she warned, highlighting the dire lack of support for Afghan women. However, criticism looms over Western nations’ inaction as activists struggle against not only the existential threat from the Taliban but also an uncertain future in Pakistan, marred by economic hardship and instability without official documents.
Afghan women’s rights activists, like Zahra Mousavi, face intense fear of deportation from Pakistan, where they seek refuge after fleeing the Taliban. Many are living in hiding as deportation drives escalate due to frayed relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Activists call for urgent international intervention to safeguard their lives against the potential risks if sent back.
The plight of Afghan women’s rights activists in Pakistan highlights a critical human rights crisis, as these brave individuals navigate unfathomable fear of deportation amid a backdrop of deteriorating relationships between Pakistan and the Taliban. With international calls for intervention intensifying, the urgent need for safe refuge and recognition of the unique risks faced by these activists grows more pressing. Without timely action, the lives of countless women and culture defenders remain endangered, painting a grim picture of their future.
Original Source: www.dw.com
