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Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Facing Increased Pressure from Authorities

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Afghan refugees in Pakistan have been living under constant fear and uncertainty. Omid, a translator, and his family fled to Pakistan seeking asylum in the West. However, their hopes for safety have been dashed as Pakistani authorities have intensified efforts to crack down on irregular migrants. The situation has become so dire that many Afghan refugees feel compelled to return to Afghanistan voluntarily, despite the risks they face.

Increasing Hostility

On a seemingly ordinary evening, Omid and his family were interrupted by a series of knocks on their metal gate. Pakistani police officers had arrived to search their house. This was the third visit from the police in as many weeks, and tensions were running high. The plight of Afghan refugees has become increasingly visible, with nearby residents hurling insults and derogatory remarks. What was once a phrase rarely heard, “Namak haram” (traitors), is now hurled at Afghan refugees all too frequently.

Afghan Refugee Population in Pakistan

The number of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan had reached 4 million at the beginning of 2023. Many fled the decades-long war and repression in Afghanistan, seeking safety across the border. Nearly half of these refugees lacked formal permission to reside in Pakistan, but until recently, the police turned a blind eye to paperwork irregularities.

However, on October 3rd, the Pakistani government announced its intention to arrest and remove irregular migrants from the country, causing panic among Afghan refugees. While the official statement did not mention Afghans by name, everyone knew who it targeted. Police actively sought out Afghan refugees, and the public’s hostility towards them surged.

Vulnerable Refugees

Afghan refugees who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return to power are the most vulnerable among the refugee population. Many had already sought asylum in other countries and intended to stay in Pakistan only temporarily. However, due to the slow processing of their claims, they were forced to overstay their short-term visas. The fear of returning to Afghanistan is overwhelming, as individuals like Omid are likely to be targeted by the Taliban for working with foreigners.

A Desperate Situation

Omid’s family now lives in constant fear, rarely leaving their home. The possibility of deportation to Afghanistan, where their lives would be in grave danger, is too terrifying to contemplate. Omid is trying to expedite his asylum application, but the backlog of cases and slow processing make it an uphill battle. The deportation deadline has been extended, but the police remain determined to root out Afghan refugees.

The Pakistani Government’s Motives

It remains a mystery why the Pakistani government has turned against Afghan refugees after years of tolerating their presence. Some suspect that politicians are attempting to divert public attention from Pakistan’s economic crisis. Others believe it may be a response to strained relations with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers. The tension between the two countries is evident, even on the cricket pitch.

As Afghan refugees in Pakistan face increasing pressure and harassment, their hopes for a safe and secure future continue to fade. The uncertainty of their situation leaves them in a state of limbo, desperately seeking asylum while fearing for their lives. The international community must address this humanitarian crisis and provide support to both Afghan refugees and the countries hosting them.

Source: The Economist