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 Pakistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated in a recent interview that if the cases of these individuals are not processed in a timely manner or are rejected, they will be deported back to Afghanistan.
This warning comes as the U.S. has promised to relocate the Afghan community in question 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.
According to #AfghanEvac, a coalition that assists Afghans with their relocation and resettlement in the U.S., there are currently around 45,000 Afghans prepared to fly out of Afghanistan and at least 15,000 qualified refugees in Pakistan awaiting resettlement. These individuals are part of Afghan families who fled their country following the Taliban insurgents’ retaking of power in 2021, primarily seeking refuge from potential retribution due to their affiliations with the U.S. and NATO forces during their nearly two-decade-long presence in Afghanistan.
While the majority of these Afghans have been relocated from Pakistan, there are still around 40,000 individuals who remain in a state of limbo, including 15,000 who are destined for the United States. This situation has caused great concern for the Pakistani government, as they fear that these individuals may become illegal immigrants if their cases are not processed and they are not relocated.
In response to this issue, the Pakistani government has expressed their willingness to work with the U.S. to find a solution. Foreign Minister Dar stated that they are currently examining the situation and are open to negotiations. However, with the recent travel ban imposed by the U.S., the fate of these Afghan refugees remains uncertain.
It is important to note that Pakistan has been a host to millions of Afghan refugees for decades, with the majority of them fleeing their country due to the ongoing conflict and instability. Since 2023, Pakistan has forcibly repatriated over 825,000 undocumented Afghan refugees to their home country, according to the United Nations. This has been a major challenge for the Pakistani government, as they have limited resources to accommodate such a large number of refugees.
In recent months, the Pakistani government has intensified their crackdown on undocumented foreign migrants, 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, with plans to deport them 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 Prime Minister 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. This shows the Pakistani government’s commitment to finding a solution that is in the best interest of both the Afghan refugees and their own country.
It is crucial for the U.S. and other countries to take swift action in processing the cases of these Afghan refugees. These individuals have already faced immense hardship and uncertainty, and it is our responsibility as a global community to provide them with a safe and secure future. The Pakistani government has shown their willingness to work with the U.S. to resolve this issue, and it is now up to the U.S. to fulfill their promise and provide these individuals with the opportunity to start a new life.
In conclusion, the fate of thousands of Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan hangs in the balance. It is imperative for the U.S. and other countries to take prompt action in processing their cases and providing them with the opportunity to resettle. The Pakistani government has issued a warning, but they have also expressed their willingness to work towards a solution. Let us come together as a global community and ensure that these individuals are not left in a state of limbo any longer.
