Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a rapidly unfolding situation, large numbers of Afghan nationals have crowded into trucks and buses in Pakistan, racing against the clock to return home before the impending deadline set by the Pakistani government. This deadline is a crucial part of a new anti-migrant crackdown that primarily targets undocumented and unregistered foreigners, with Afghans forming the majority of this affected group.
The initiative has stirred significant controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters, including U.N. agencies, human rights organizations, and even the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities have issued stern warnings that individuals residing in the country without legal status face the prospects of arrest and deportation post-October 31. Shockingly, U.N. agencies estimate that over 2 million undocumented Afghans currently reside in Pakistan, with at least 600,000 of them having fled after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch accused Pakistan of employing coercive tactics, such as threats, abuse, and detention, to compel Afghan asylum seekers without proper documentation to return to Afghanistan. The New York-based organization has appealed to authorities to reconsider the deadline and collaborate with the U.N. refugee agency to register those without valid papers.
Although the government insists that its measures are not explicitly aimed at Afghans, the crackdown unfolds amid strained relations between Pakistan and its neighboring Taliban-led government. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring Taliban-affiliated militants who find sanctuary in Afghanistan, occasionally launching attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban, on their part, deny these accusations.
In the midst of this turmoil, personal stories are emerging, such as that of 52-year-old Mohammad Amin, who hails from Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province. He reminisces about his family’s history in Pakistan and their decision to return home due to their failure to register as refugees with the U.N. refugee agency. Amin expressed hope in the Taliban government’s assistance as he embarks on a new chapter in his homeland.
Nasrullah Khan, 62, echoed Amin’s sentiments, expressing confidence in the possibility of help from the Taliban upon his return to Afghanistan. While the prospect of Taliban rule does not deter him, he believes that returning to Afghanistan is a preferable option compared to facing arrest in Pakistan.
Pakistani officials have announced that the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan will remain open beyond their usual 4 p.m. closure to facilitate the departure of those who have arrived there.
Since the initiation of this crackdown, over 200,000 Afghans have already returned to their home country, as reported by Pakistani authorities. U.N. agencies have documented a sharp increase in Afghans leaving Pakistan in anticipation of the impending deadline. Pakistani authorities have reiterated their commitment to executing deportations in a “phased and orderly” manner.
This situation also has profound implications for thousands of Afghans in Pakistan waiting to be relocated to the United States through a special refugee program, a process that was necessitated by their escape from the Taliban’s rule. U.S. authorities have expressed their commitment to facilitating the safe and efficient resettlement and relocation of more than 25,000 eligible Afghans in Pakistan to the United States.
Prior to the Pakistani crackdown, Washington had already engaged with Islamabad, urging the protection of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers, especially those in the U.S. resettlement and immigration pipelines. The U.S. diplomat, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that efforts were underway to send letters to these individuals to help local authorities recognize them as individuals in the U.S. pipeline. Notably, these applicants have frequently protested in Pakistan over the delays in the approval of their U.S. visas.
Against the backdrop of this unfolding crisis, Afghanistan grapples with a severe humanitarian situation, particularly impacting women and girls who face restrictions on education, public life, and employment imposed by the Taliban. Additionally, there are concerns about media freedom, activism, and civil society organizations.
