Expulsion Orders Impact Over One Million Afghans in Pakistan Amid Human Rights Concerns

The Pakistani federal government has recently taken a drastic step to expel more than one million Afghan nationals who are legally residing in the country with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. According to reports from Dawn News, the Ministry of Interior announced on July 31 that existing PoR cards would be considered expired as of June 30, effectively rendering the status of these Afghans illegal and exposing them to potential arrest and deportation.

This abrupt policy change puts at risk registered refugees, many of whom have called Pakistan home for decades. The government's approach has granted law enforcement and local authorities the power to detain PoR cardholders without the need for judicial oversight, citing the Foreigners Act of 1946—a legal framework historically utilized to control marginalized groups in society.

Concerns have been raised by UNHCR Pakistan regarding the implications of this development, as the forced repatriation of Afghans contravenes international legal standards like the principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from being returned to countries where they face threats to their safety or freedom. UNHCR spokesman Qaiser Khan Afridi emphasized the serious nature of these forced returns, as they could expose vulnerable individuals to significant harm.

The swift cancellation of legal refugee status has ignited widespread condemnation, with Afghan community representatives describing the government's actions as cruel and irrational. Leaders, including Syed Naqeeb Badshah of the Muttahida Afghan Tajir Ittehad, criticized the government's sudden demand for thousands of Afghan businessmen to vacate the country without reasonable justification, highlighting the illogical nature of such a decision.

In contrast to previous assurances made by Pakistani officials in June and July that protected PoR cardholders, the new SRO has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among current Afghan residents. Many skilled professionals and business owners now find themselves vulnerable and questioning their security as the threat of arrest looms over them.

Adding to the distress, a leather garment designer expressed frustration about their situation, pointing out that they contribute to the economy as taxpayers and entrepreneurs. They lamented the absence of any channels through which they can appeal against this unjust treatment.

This mass expulsion comes amid a broader anti-refugee initiative introduced in November 2023, which aims to force illegal foreigners, primarily Afghans, back to their homeland. Recent statistics indicate that over 1.14 million Afghans have already returned due to pressure from authorities, with a significant majority doing so out of fear of arrest. The latest developments starkly reflect a disturbing trend in which human rights considerations are ignored, subjecting vulnerable populations to the risks of legal unpredictability.