Pakistan to Deport Over 800,000 Afghan Refugees

Pakistan is set to expel over 800,000 undocumented Afghan refugees in the second phase of a controversial repatriation plan, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

The move comes amid a surge in armed attacks in Pakistan, with the government blaming groups based in Afghanistan.

Pakistan claims the deportations are necessary for security reasons and due to economic pressures. However, the UN refugee agency warns many refugees face persecution if returned to Afghanistan.

Pakistan is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and lacks domestic laws to protect refugee rights.

Refugees have pleaded for more time to leave Pakistan in a dignified manner, as they face arrest and deportation if they do not depart voluntarily. Critics argue the expulsions are illegal and disregard the humanitarian needs of those fleeing conflict.