AdSense Advertisement

UNHCR Deeply Concerned Over Pakistan’s Plan to Repatriate Registered Afghan Refugees

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s recent confirmation that it will begin repatriating registered Afghan refugees, warning that such actions could endanger lives and destabilize the wider region.

In a statement issued on Thursday , Qaiser Khan Afridi, spokesperson for UNHCR Pakistan, said the agency is “deeply concerned about the latest worrying developments” as the Government of Pakistan moves to implement its “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” to expel Afghan refugees, including those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.

"There are over 1.3 million Afghans with PoR cards in Pakistan, and we have received reports of arrests and detention of Afghan nationals across the country, including those who are officially recognized as refugees," Afridi said.

Pakistan officially confirmed on July 31 that it would include PoR cardholders in its repatriation plans. Though the government has granted a one-month grace period for refugees to leave the country, UNHCR is urging Pakistani authorities to reconsider.

“Sending people back in this manner is tantamount to refoulement,” Afridi warned, referring to the international principle that prohibits the forced return of refugees to places where they risk persecution. “We are calling on the Government of Pakistan to stop the forcible return and adopt a humane approach to ensure voluntary, gradual, and dignified return of Afghans.”

The UN agency said that such “massive and hasty returns” could jeopardize the lives and freedoms of Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades, and could trigger further instability in Afghanistan and the broader region.

UNHCR is continuing to advocate for an extension of PoR card validity and exemptions for individuals with ongoing international protection needs.

“We acknowledge and appreciate Pakistan’s generosity in hosting Afghan refugees for over 40 years amid its own challenges,” Afridi said. “However, the forced return of those holding PoR cards — who have long been recognized as refugees — is contrary to Pakistan’s humanitarian tradition and international obligations.”