A number of Afghan migrants in Pakistan have criticized the continued arrests and deportations of refugees from the country.
They are calling on the Islamic Emirate, refugee support organizations, and the Pakistani government to take action in addressing the challenges faced by migrants.
Izzatullah Bakhshi, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: “I have personally witnessed the arrest of women and children who were transferred from the Barakah and Islamabad areas to refugee camps. Afghan migrants in Pakistan are facing numerous problems and an uncertain future.”
Zarghona Danish, another Afghan migrant in Pakistan, stated: “The arrest of Afghan migrants by the Pakistani police has caused severe concerns, particularly for women and children. This situation has led to mental health issues and depression among them.”
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported in its weekly update that in the past week alone, more than 31,000 people have returned to Afghanistan through the Torkham, Spin Boldak, Angoor Ada, Dand Patan, and Ghulam Khan border crossings.
Ehsanullah Ahmadzai, a migrant rights activist, said: “Afghans are facing numerous challenges, with the biggest issue being related to documentation. Some do not have passports, those who have passports lack visas, and even those registered with UNHCR have documents that are not recognized by the Pakistani government.”
Meanwhile, Sardar Ahmad Shekaib, the chargé d’affaires of the Islamic Emirate’s embassy in Islamabad, stated that efforts are being made to address the issues of Afghan migrants in Pakistan.
Shekaib said: “Our efforts continue to negotiate with the Pakistani government and officials to stop the deportation of Afghan migrants. While the process has not been completely halted, it has slowed down. However, in some areas, Afghan migrants are still being detained.”
On the other hand, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed hope for the resumption of the relocation process of eligible Afghan refugees to the United States.
Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that discussions on this matter are ongoing between Washington and Islamabad.
The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said: “We have taken note of the suspension of the US refugee admissions program by the President of the United States through an executive order on January 20, 2025. We hope that this program will resume so that, in accordance with US government commitments, the remaining Afghan refugees can be resettled in the United States.”
Nazar Nazari, a migrant rights activist, said: “Migrants who were waiting in neighboring countries, hoping for relocation to Europe and the US based on American promises, are now deeply concerned about their future following the recent executive order by the US President.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that between September 15, 2023, and December 31, 2024, approximately 806,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan. The organization has provided basic humanitarian assistance to over 117,000 returnees.