Islamabad, March 31 (IANS): Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest and deport thousands of Afghan refugees as the government’s deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country expires today, according to local media reports.
Authorities, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have been ordered to ensure the swift evacuation of Afghan refugees. The Rawalpindi police chief has instructed the superintendents of the Rawal, Potohar, and Saddar divisions to take legal action against Afghan nationals residing or working in the district, as reported by Dawn, a leading Pakistani daily.
“We have received directions that all Afghan nationals holding ACC cards must be expelled from Rawalpindi and Islamabad,” a police official told Dawn.
Additionally, Afghans holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards who reside in the twin cities are also required to leave Pakistan, in accordance with government policy. The deadline for PoR cardholders to exit the country has been set for June 30, 2025.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The decision has raised significant humanitarian concerns, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) urging greater international responsibility. Philippa Candler, UNHCR’s representative to Pakistan, stated on Sunday that the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees has “shaken” the Afghan community, dashing their hopes and aspirations.
“Last week, I visited an Afghan family who sought refuge in Pakistan in 2022 after fleeing Afghanistan in search of peace and safety. It was heartbreaking to see how fearful they were of being forced to return,” Candler said. “The latest directives from the Pakistani government represent a significant disruption to many communities. Forced dislocation, especially without proper planning, is unlikely to be sustainable.”
Refugees Plead for More Time
Many Afghan refugees, some of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades, are appealing for an extension of their stay. Zabit Khan, an Afghan refugee residing in Islamabad for nearly forty years, expressed concerns over the adverse impact of expulsion on his livelihood.
“Give us time because we cannot suddenly relocate our business. We’ve worked here for forty years or more and have built relationships with people. This will cause us serious problems,” Khan told TOLO News, an Afghan media outlet.
Criticism from Human Rights Groups
The mass deportation has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch has strongly condemned Pakistan’s decision, urging authorities to halt the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees.
“Pakistani officials should immediately stop coercing Afghans to return home and give those facing expulsion the opportunity to seek protection,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch.
Conclusion
The Pakistani government’s decision to enforce the expulsion of Afghan refugees, particularly those holding ACC cards, has sparked widespread concern from humanitarian organizations, international agencies, and the affected Afghan community. As the deadline expires, the fate of thousands of Afghan refugees remains uncertain, with calls for reconsideration and extended timelines growing stronger.
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