Pakistan has threatened to deport Afghan nationals waiting for US resettlement if their cases are rejected or delayed. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that such individuals would be regarded as illegal immigrants. The situation is exacerbated by strained relations with Afghanistan and recent US policies affecting refugee admissions, leading to deteriorating conditions for Afghan migrants in Pakistan.
Islamabad has issued a stark warning, threatening to deport thousands of Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement in the United States if their cases are not processed promptly or are ultimately rejected. According to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, any refugee who cannot be accepted by another country will be deemed an illegal immigrant and sent back to their country of origin. This stance adds tension to already strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
Following an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which suspended the US refugee admissions program unless aligned with American interests, the fate of these Afghans remains uncertain. The implications of this order, combined with Pakistan’s recent threats, could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis for many Afghans seeking safety.
In a related development, the Pakistani government is reportedly considering the expulsion of human rights activists such as Zahra Mousavi, a member of the Afghan women’s justice movement, currently detained in Islamabad. This decision comes amidst increasing reports of intensified crackdowns on Afghan refugees in Pakistan, despite warnings from global human rights organizations.
Historically, Afghanistan has witnessed a significant exodus of its citizens seeking refuge in Pakistan due to ongoing conflict. Following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, millions fled to Pakistan for safety, yet conditions for these migrants have notably deteriorated in 2023, featuring increased legal actions and mass expulsions by Pakistani officials.
The situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan appears increasingly perilous, characterized by governmental threats of deportation and active legal actions against them. With relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remaining fraught, the potential for heightened tensions looms, particularly with the backdrop of US policies affecting refugee admissions. The implications for human rights activists in Pakistan further illustrate the precarious nature of this crisis.
Original Source: www.india.com
