Pakistan's government has mandated that Afghan refugees must vacate the capital region of Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi by March 31, 2025. This move comes shortly after a U.S. executive order halted all refugee admissions, adding to the refugees' anxiety about their future.
Pakistan Sets Deadline for Afghan Refugees Amid U.S. Admission Suspension
Pakistan Sets Deadline for Afghan Refugees Amid U.S. Admission Suspension
Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees in Pakistan face relocation orders as the international community grapples with their resettlement due to U.S. policy changes.
The strict relocation orders target over 15,000 Afghans, many of whom previously aided the U.S. military and NGOs. With the looming March deadline, the potential for deportation to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan raises significant concerns over their safety. U.N. agencies have called for humane treatment of these vulnerable populations, urging Pakistan to consider human rights standards in implementation.
As protests erupt among Afghan communities in Islamabad, advocates express dismay at the U.S. government's decision, perceiving it as a betrayal of those who supported American efforts during the two-decade-long conflict. Reports indicate that those most at risk include ethnic minorities, women, and human rights defenders, heightening fears of persecution under Taliban rule.
This complex situation signals a need for urgent diplomatic efforts from international stakeholders to provide necessary support and ensure a safe transition for Afghan refugees facing overwhelming uncertainty.
As protests erupt among Afghan communities in Islamabad, advocates express dismay at the U.S. government's decision, perceiving it as a betrayal of those who supported American efforts during the two-decade-long conflict. Reports indicate that those most at risk include ethnic minorities, women, and human rights defenders, heightening fears of persecution under Taliban rule.
This complex situation signals a need for urgent diplomatic efforts from international stakeholders to provide necessary support and ensure a safe transition for Afghan refugees facing overwhelming uncertainty.
