The forced expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan has sparked mounting concerns about the perilous conditions awaiting them in Afghanistan. As the Pakistani government initiated this process, citizens, and migrant rights activists have raised their voices, criticizing the move for contravening international principles, notably the Global Migration Convention.
The Global Migration Convention underscores the importance of considering the needs of asylum seekers, emphasizing that no nation has the right to forcibly return them against their will to their home country. “According to international conventions, the forced deportation of refugees seeking refuge in Pakistan due to security, life, and political issues is against international laws,” asserted Asifa Stanikzai, an Immigration Affairs Analyst.
Reports accompanying the enforcement of Islamabad’s decision to expel Afghan refugees have cited incidents of force, harassment, humiliation, and mistreatment, further deepening concerns about the migrants’ welfare.
Many Afghan citizens have emphasized that the ongoing instability in Afghanistan, marked by security concerns and an economic crisis, represents the main challenge for the expulsion of migrants. Nasrullah, a resident of Kabul, shared, “All the vendors say that they can barely provide for the expenses and needs of their families. For this reason, they choose to immigrate to Pakistan or Iran, or from Iran, they head to European countries, and many face perilous journeys.”
In the midst of this crisis, migrant rights activists are urgently calling on the international community, the Taliban, and aid organizations to collaborate on creating better conditions for returnees, ensuring their safety and well-being. In a show of opposition to the forced expulsion, women’s protest movements have organized gatherings in various provinces such as Takhar, Ghazni, and Balkh. They assert that Afghanistan remains unsafe, and migrants should not be expelled under the current circumstances.
The interim government of Pakistan issued an announcement last month, instructing all undocumented migrants, including the 1.7 million Afghan migrants, to leave the country by November 1. This move comes amid accusations of Taliban support for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in recent months, while Pakistan is also preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for January.
