Pakistan is planning to expel 3 million Afghan immigrants from the country this year, as a deadline for them to voluntarily leave the capital and surrounding areas expired. This crackdown is part of a nationwide effort to expel foreigners living in Pakistan illegally, primarily Afghans, which has drawn criticism from rights groups, the Taliban government, and the United Nations.
The arrests and deportations of Afghan immigrants were initially scheduled to begin on Tuesday but were postponed to April 10 due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays. Over the past 18 months, about 845,000 Afghans have already left Pakistan, while 3 million still remain in the country. Those with Proof of Registration cards have until June 30 to leave, while Afghan Citizen cardholders had to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31.
Authorities have stated they will work with foreign diplomatic missions to resettle Afghans, or they will be deported from Pakistan. The two transit stations set up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will assist with deportations. However, there are concerns about the fate of children born in Pakistan to Afghan parents, Afghan couples with mixed documentation, and families with one Pakistani and one Afghan parent.
Many Afghans facing deportation are uncertain about their future, as they have never been to Afghanistan or have limited connections there. Some are appealing to the Pakistani government for more time to figure out their situation and find employment in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s Refugee Ministry has criticized Pakistan for making unilateral decisions without involving the U.N. refugee agency or the Taliban government.
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