Amnesty International has called for the immediate retraction of Pakistan’s unsettling ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’, which seeks to forcibly remove Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi by the 31 March deadline. These actions are perceived as a cruel response to an already vulnerable population, exacerbating their hardships while violating international human rights obligations. The lack of transparency surrounding the Plan fuels further distress among those impacted, as it portrays Afghan refugees unfairly as threats, undermining decades of their contributions to society.
The Pakistani government’s directive stipulates that Afghan nationals must exit the two major cities, leading to potential deportations and relocations within Pakistan. The mandated evacuation affects even those who have the Proof of Registration cards issued by the UNHCR, disrupting lives that Afghan families have built over decades. This forced separation renders many refugees homeless, uprooting them from their communities, businesses, and support networks.
Reportedly, those holding Afghan Citizen Cards face immediate deportation back to Afghanistan, violating the principle of non-refoulement. Furthermore, refugees awaiting relocation to third countries now find themselves at a disadvantage, as proximity to foreign missions decreases, complicating their chances of escape from perilous conditions in their home nation.
As government officials demonise Afghan refugees through media narratives, portraying them as criminals or threats, societal discrimination and harassment escalate. The conflicting directives only add to the confusion and fear already permeating the refugee community. The Interior Minister recently underscored this sentiment, announcing restrictions that require a no-objection certificate for Afghan refugees remaining in Islamabad, a document notoriously hard to obtain.
Amidst these pressures, reports indicate a rising surge in arbitrary detentions and deportations of Afghan nationals, which included horrific numbers in early 2025. Despite recent legal assurances from the government not to apprehend registered refugees, continuous reports of harassment threaten the already fragile lives of Afghan refugees. Calls for immediate action to halt these oppressive policies are crucial in safeguarding their rights and lives.
Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to retract its ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’, which aims to forcibly deport Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The plan jeopardizes the safety and rights of refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades. Reports highlight a rise in arbitrary detentions and media-fed discrimination, as the authorities portray refugees as threats. Immediate action is needed to comply with international human rights standards.
In conclusion, the Pakistani government’s ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ starkly fails to uphold the dignity and rights of Afghan refugees, primarily targeting their forced expulsion amidst false narratives of criminality. As human rights violations loom large, immediate action is necessary to protect these individuals from further persecution and displacement. The situation demands transparency and accountability from authorities, with urgent adherence to international laws governing the treatment of refugees.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
