Afghans in Pakistan: Living in Fear of Deportation Amid Uncertainty

Afghan refugees in Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, live in constant fear of deportation back to Afghanistan, amidst a crackdown on undocumented migrants. Families like that of 10-year-old Nabila, who has been forced to abandon education and hide from police raids, highlight the emotional toll and uncertain future facing many Afghans residing in the country.

As Pakistan ramps up enforcement against undocumented migrants, thousands of Afghans are grappling with the terrifying reality of potential forced deportation. Many, like 10-year-old "Nabila," whose real name is concealed for safety, have been living in hiding, fearing not only the withdrawal of basic rights but also their safety in the face of police crackdowns. Nabila's family, having fled possible retribution in Afghanistan due to her father's past military service, finds their life restricted to their one-bedroom home in Islamabad.

Since December, the family has been unable to enroll Nabila in school after local institutions stopped accepting Afghan children without valid Pakistani birth certificates. The chaos of police raids has heightened their anxiety, particularly after witnessing friends being sent back to Afghanistan. The UN estimates that more than 1.5 million Afghans in Pakistan are undocumented, revealing the extent of vulnerability faced by this population.

Stories of fright and desperation have emerged from many Afghan families who fear that returning home would lead to violence, given the Taliban's historical targeting of former government officials and military personnel. The United Nations reports a worrisome trend of deportations, with over 930 Afghans returned in a mere matter of weeks. Hamed, a family member, claims repeated calls for assistance from the UN refugee agency go unanswered, leaving many without hope.

The Pakistani government has announced strict deadlines for leaving the country, but many Afghans are uncertain about their visa statuses or endure difficulties navigating the administrative system. Families resort to hiding, hoping to evade detection and deportation. Amid dwindling resources and the inability to secure a safer future, the emotional toll is evident—Hamed shares grief over his feelings of uselessness while reflecting on decades spent serving his country.

With multiple raids reported and a crippling sense of dread permeating their lives, community members can only rely on one another for shelter and support. As tensions escalate, the pathway back to their homes in Afghanistan poses a harrowing threat, rather than hope for a better future.

The situation is further complicated by Pakistan's security concerns, primarily driven by cross-border violence believed to stem from Afghan soil. Afghanistan's leaders dismiss such claims, asserting that their government poses no danger to Pakistan. However, the evolving landscape has raised fears, resulting in the return of a staggering 836,238 individuals from Pakistan since September.

Some Afghans detained in Pakistan are placed in camps where conditions are reportedly harsh, as recounted by Ahmad, a former US resettlement hopeful. Other refugees attempt to avoid police while navigating an unstable life with inadequate resources. The emotional toll resonates deeply among families as they maintain hopes of peace and safety, confronting the stark reality of their uncertain future and the anguish of being separated from loved ones.

For now, Nabila and her family, like many others, are trapped in a limbo between the past they fled and the ominous unknown looming over their lives in Pakistan. "Don't kick Afghans out of their homes," Nabila cries, echoing the sentiments of many who feel forced to bear the weight of their circumstances with little choice left.