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Shocking news has recently hit headlines, as 1.7 million undocumented refugees are expected to be deported in one country. In recognition of security concerns, the Pakistani government has announced its intentions to deport countless refugees that are currently residing in the the country.
Although many have raised objections to this policy, it is an important step towards safeguarding the safety and security of Pakistani citizens.
Pakistan’s deadline for voluntary deportation of undocumented Afghans passed on November 1st, leaving many refugees uncertain about their future. To date, over 70,000 Afghans have returned to their home country since Pakistan announced its intention to deport those who are without documents – a number that is likely to rise before the policy takes full effect.
Tens of thousands of Afghan nationals are being forced to return to Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, before a November 1 deadline that Pakistan set for undocumented migrants to leave the country https://t.co/Ii8LiIdPlp pic.twitter.com/Q9lD0ebkk6
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 31, 2023
The reactions among affected parties have been mixed; some refugees like Muhammad Rahim and Muhammad – both aged 35 and 18 respectively – decided voluntarily return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan despite having already established lives in Pakistan due to fear of potential repercussions from authorities should they fail to comply with the new regulations. Others such as Adeela Akhtar – a 47 year-old mother of two – expressed her determined refusal in returning home, pleading with police not to force her out if they come knocking on her door tomorrow morning.
Human Rights Watch has accused the Pakistani government of engaging in threats, abuse and detention as means for deporting these undocumented persons back into their homeland however, Islamabad contends that it stands firm on its position regarding this matter considering the recent spate of suicide bombings within its borders along with other terrorist attacks and smuggling activity occurring within recent months.
Despite criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments alike, Pakistan’s decision appears necessary under current circumstances. The government’s move helps protect against potential threats posed by individuals without documentation whose presence could not be adequately monitored or accounted for amid increasingly volatile international security landscape surrounding Afghanistan.
