Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, has issued a warning to the United States regarding the fate of thousands of Afghan nationals currently residing in the country. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has stated that if the U.S. fails to process the relocation and resettlement of these individuals in a timely manner, they will be deported back to Afghanistan.
In a recent television interview, Dar emphasized that the U.S. had promised to relocate the Afghan community from Pakistan by September of this year. However, with the recent halt on refugee applications and travel plans by President Donald Trump, the fate of these individuals remains uncertain.
The decision by the U.S. has left approximately 45,000 Afghans stranded in Afghanistan, and another 15,000 qualified refugees currently residing in Pakistan, according to #AfghanEvac, a coalition that assists with their relocation and resettlement in the U.S. These individuals are part of Afghan families who fled their country following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, seeking refuge from potential retribution due to their affiliations with the U.S. and NATO forces during their presence in Afghanistan.
While a significant number of Afghans have been relocated from Pakistan, officials in Islamabad estimate that around 40,000 still remain in a state of limbo, including 15,000 who are destined for the United States. This uncertainty has caused great concern for these individuals and their families, who have already endured so much hardship and uncertainty.
Pakistan has been a host to Afghan refugees for many years, with the majority of them fleeing their country due to conflict and instability. However, since launching a crackdown on undocumented foreign migrants in 2023, the Pakistani government has forcibly repatriated over 825,000 undocumented Afghan refugees to their home country, according to the United Nations.
The government has recently intensified its crackdown, targeting both documented and undocumented Afghan refugees. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to remove all Afghans from Islamabad and the adjoining city of Rawalpindi by February 28th, before arranging for their deportation to Afghanistan. This targeted population includes over 2.5 million Afghans nationwide, comprising of lawful refugees, documented economic migrants, and those without legal authorization to remain in Pakistan.
However, the Pakistani government has also expressed its willingness to resolve this issue with the United States. Dar stated that they are examining the situation and will negotiate accordingly. The government has also set a deadline of March 31st for the U.S. and other countries to process the cases of Afghans awaiting resettlement, in order to prevent their deportation.
It is crucial for the U.S. and other countries to take swift action in processing the cases of these individuals. They have already been through so much and have been patiently waiting for their relocation and resettlement. It is a humanitarian responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being, especially for those who have risked their lives to support the U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has been a gracious host to Afghan refugees for many years, and it is commendable that the government has taken steps to address the issue of undocumented migrants. However, it is also important to consider the well-being of those who have been living in Pakistan for years and have established their lives there. Deporting them back to Afghanistan, a country still facing conflict and instability, would only add to their suffering.
The U.S. and other countries must fulfill their promise to relocate and resettle these individuals in a timely manner. It is a matter of humanity and fulfilling the responsibility towards those who have been displaced due to circumstances beyond their control. It is also crucial for the international community to come together and support Pakistan in its efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for these refugees.
In conclusion, the fate of thousands of Afghan nationals currently residing in Pakistan remains uncertain. The Pakistani government has issued a warning to the U.S. that if their cases are not processed on time, they will be forced to deport them back to Afghanistan. It is crucial for the U.S. and other countries to take swift action in processing their cases and fulfilling their promise of relocation and resettlement. Let us come together as a global community and support Pakistan in its efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for these refugees.
