Pakistan's Ultimatum for Afghan Refugees: A Countdown to Displacement

The Pakistani government has ordered tens of thousands of Afghan refugees to leave Islamabad by March 31, escalating fears for those relying on U.S. resettlement as the country remains under Taliban rule.

Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees in Islamabad are facing an uncertain future as Pakistan's government has issued an ultimatum. This order, which requires Afghan refugees to relocate elsewhere within the country by March 31, comes at a time when many are seeking resettlement in the West. The move is seen as an effort to pressure countries, particularly the United States, to expedite refugee admissions.

The influx of Afghan refugees into Islamabad and the surrounding region is primarily due to the presence of embassies and humanitarian agencies. However, the Pakistani authorities have announced that those unable to find resettlement options will be returned to Afghanistan, which is currently governed by the Taliban. This pronouncement heightens apprehensions for the refugees, especially for the estimated 15,000 individuals who have sought asylum in the U.S. following President Trump's recent executive order suspending all refugee admissions from the region.

Many of these Afghans had previously collaborated with international forces or non-governmental organizations during the U.S. mission in Afghanistan before the Taliban regained control in August 2021. Rights advocates have criticized the U.S. decision as a betrayal of those who supported Western efforts in the region.

International organizations, including the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration, have also raised alarms regarding the potential deportation of vulnerable groups, such as ethnic minorities, women, journalists, and activists, who may face persecution upon returning to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. In a collective appeal, they have urged the Pakistani government to consider human rights standards when implementing relocation measures.