Central Idea

Pakistan’s government has recently implemented an order mandating the expulsion of all foreigners, with a significant impact on Afghan refugees, the largest refugee group in Pakistan.
This move has raised questions about the fate of Afghan migrants returning to a country facing numerous challenges, including a collapsed economy, natural disasters, food insecurity, and human rights issues under Taliban rule.

Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

Historical Background: Afghan refugees have sought shelter in Pakistan since the late 1970s, primarily due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Subsequently, they fled during the Afghan civil war in the 1990s and the Taliban regime’s rule.
Afghan Refugee Population: Pakistan is home to over 4 million Afghans, with an estimated 1.7 million lacking proper documentation.
Deportation Deadline: The government set a deadline of October 31 for illegal migrants to leave Pakistan, after which they would face arrest and expulsion.
Deportation Process: Hours before the deadline, authorities began rounding up undocumented migrants, demolishing some homes to compel them to leave.
Border Crossings: Thousands of Afghans crossed into Afghanistan through border crossings, including Torkham and Chaman.

Economic Concerns: Pakistan cites economic strain as a key reason for deportation, asserting that undocumented migrants who do not pay taxes strain its limited resources.
Security Concerns: Authorities claim that Afghan migrants have been involved in terror attacks, street crimes, and organized crimes like drug trafficking. They are accused of participating in attacks against the government and the army.
Political Timing: The deportation coincides with Pakistan’s caretaker government, insulating it from potential political or electoral repercussions.

The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees is one of the cornerstone instruments of refugee protection. It defines who a refugee is and outlines their rights and responsibilities.
It also provides a non-refoulement principle, which prohibits states from returning refugees to a country where they would face persecution.
The 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees expanded the geographic scope of the 1951 Convention and removed the temporal and geographic limitations, making the Convention universally applicable.

Uncertain Future: Afghan migrants returning to Afghanistan face an uncertain future amid economic collapse, earthquakes, food shortages, and human rights violations under Taliban rule.
Education and Employment: Women and girls returning to Afghanistan may be denied education and job opportunities.
US-Affiliated Migrants: Those who worked for the US before the Taliban’s takeover are particularly vulnerable.

Criticism and Request for Time: The Taliban has criticized the deportations and asked for more time to prepare for the returnees.
Humanitarian Efforts: Afghan authorities are establishing temporary camps near the border to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and SIM cards to returnees. The Taliban has expressed a willingness to assist them in finding jobs.

This deportation is a contentious move driven by economic and security concerns.
The international community, including the Taliban, is grappling with the challenges posed by this situation, particularly as winter approaches and Afghanistan faces additional hardships.