UN Urges Pakistan to Extend Afghan Refugee Deportation Deadline

UN Urges Pakistan to Extend Afghan Refugee Deportation Deadline
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The United Nations has called on Pakistan to extend its deadline for the departure of Afghan refugees, citing humanitarian concerns and the need for a voluntary repatriation process, Khaama Press reported. The appeal comes as Pakistan prepares to begin deporting approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees with expired Proof of Registration (PoR) cards starting September 1.

The Pakistani government has declared that the presence of these refugees will be considered illegal following the deadline, which was set after the PoR cards expired on June 30. In response, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged for a more gradual approach. UNHCR Representative Filippo Grandi specifically requested that the government consider the situations of students and individuals who have established family and social ties within the country.

Meanwhile, a coalition of political parties, civil society organizations, and human rights groups in Islamabad has condemned the government’s decision, labeling it a violation of humanitarian principles and international law. They have called for an immediate halt to the deportations and the creation of legal frameworks that would allow Afghan nationals to obtain lawful residence, work permits, or even citizenship.

According to reports, over 1.2 million Afghans have already been expelled from Pakistan since October 2023, with an additional three million potentially facing forced return under the new policy. The UNHCR is continuing to advocate for the renewal of the PoR cards to provide legal status and prevent a large-scale humanitarian crisis.