Pakistan expels over 3,000 Afghan refugees

According to Pakistani authorities, since the deadline for the expulsion of undocumented migrants was set, more than 51,000 Afghans have been deported, Khaama Press reported.

Jan Achakzai, Balochistan Province’s Minister of Information, highlighted Pakistan’s intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration, the news agency reported.

He emphasized that these actions go beyond Afghan refugees, with measures like the November 1st expulsion deadline applying to all undocumented immigrants in the province, showcasing the government’s dedication to upholding order and security.

Earlier, Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister of Interior of the interim government of Pakistan, had warned that with the end of the deadline for the expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants, the country would not compromise on this decision.

Pakistan should immediately cancel plans to deport 1.4 million Afghan nationals back to their country, independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council urged on Tuesday.

The Government of Pakistan, which has hosted millions of Afghans for decades, recently announced that all “undocumented” foreign nationals must leave the country by 1 November or face deportation to their countries of origin.

These plans would impact many Afghans who fled to Pakistan seeking safety and protection due to serious human rights concerns and the years-long humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan should stop all forced returns and continue to host Afghan nationals who fled for safety,” the experts said.

“The Government must also ensure their full access to procedures where their individual human rights protection needs and their need for effective protection in line with international human rights and refugee standards, are fully assessed,” they added.