Pakistan to start expelling undocumented immigrants on Thursday -minister

Pakistan’s caretaker government’s interior minister has announced that the country will begin rounding up and expelling undocumented immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, on Thursday. The plan was initially announced earlier this month, with Pakistan stating that Afghan nationals were involved in attacks, smuggling, and other criminal activities within its territory. Kabul has dismissed these accusations, and various rights groups have protested, urging Pakistan to reconsider.

In a video statement released on Tuesday, Sarfraz Bugti stated that there are only two days left for voluntary returns. He added that the operation would be “lengthy and gradual,” without providing further details on the time frame. Bugti clarified that Pakistan is not deporting any refugees but rather focusing on those who are completely illegal residents.

Pakistan currently hosts over 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees, with approximately 1.7 million of them being undocumented according to the interior ministry. Islamabad claims that Afghans were involved in 14 suicide attacks this year and accuses militant groups in its territory of training fighters across the border.

For those who choose to depart voluntarily, the government will provide assistance at temporary centers, offering food and healthcare facilities for two to three days. The international community, including Western embassies and the United Nations, has called on Pakistan to identify and protect Afghans who may face persecution if returned to their home country.

Amnesty International released a statement strongly urging the Government of Pakistan to reverse its decision and forbidding the forced deportation of unregistered Afghan refugees. The organization emphasizes Pakistan’s international legal obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, and criticizes the crackdown and harassment of Afghan refugees across the country. Amnesty International also calls on the international community to financially support Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees and share the responsibility of ensuring their protection.

The statement highlights that lives and rights are at risk due to the joint failure of the Pakistan Government and the international community to take responsibility for the protection of Afghan refugees. It particularly emphasizes the risks faced by women, journalists, human rights defenders, protesters, artists, and former government officials and security personnel.

Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Editing by Ed Osmond, Chizu Nomiyama, Andrew Heavens and Mark Porter