The plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan illustrates a precarious future. Recent political developments between the two nations have escalated their battles and exacerbated each country’s plight. With the crisis still simmering, Pakistan just declared all 54 Afghan refugee camps closed. They ceased the renewal of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan nationals. The ban period coincides with an uptick in violence in Pakistan, which the country attributes to Afghan-based militant groups. This new development has made the future long-term presence of many Afghan refugees in Pakistan very uncertain.
The recent announcement comes on the heels of a ceasefire agreement signed between Afghan and Pakistani negotiators after days of negotiations in Doha. The picture of underlying tensions is clear and seething. Pouring more oil onto the fire are Pakistani government claims that Afghan nationals have been responsible for dozens of recent suicide bombings. The complicated reality of these relationships has led to growing concern. This touches on about 1.2 million PoR cardholders and millions of others who have fled to Pakistan since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Background on Refugee Status
Pakistan has been home to millions of Afghan refugees for more than four decades. Pakistan first accepted influxes of refugees based on humanitarian—not national security—considerations. With the current geopolitical climate, that hospitality is under fire more than ever. The new Pakistani government is making the right noises on cross-border militancy. To that end, they scapegoat Afghan nationals for these concerns.
As rebel attacks surged, in late 2023 the Pakistani government began implementing an emergency plan to further force Afghans out. This decision has created uncertainty and fear for countless refugees who were just beginning to build new lives. The government’s shuttering of these refugee villages has left many refugees and their families in a grave predicament. To compound matters, the invalidation of PoR cards as of June 30 has exacerbated their plight.
“How can I uproot everything when we were born here, lived here, married here, and buried our loved ones here?” – Allah Meer, an Afghan refugee living in Kohat.
Meer’s concerns are not unique or unfounded. For most refugees, like him, who’ve spent decades in Pakistan, they’ve established lives in exile while keeping their Afghan roots. The sudden upheaval risks uprooting their newfound stability and safety and sending them back into danger in an uncertain future in Afghanistan.
Government Actions and International Response
In doing so, the Pakistani government defends its actions by insisting that it is a matter of security. They assert that jihadist organizations are based on Afghan soil. The former interior minister claimed that 14 out of 24 suicide bombings in Pakistan in 2023 were linked to Afghan nationals. All of these claims have taken the focus off the inquiry and increased the alarm around issues of national security.
UNHCR outlines reasons for concern over Pakistan’s recent de-notification of refugee villages. They are concerned with the insistence on all refugees returning to Afghanistan given the current circumstances. The UNHCR is calling on the Pakistani government to ensure that any returns are voluntary and conducted with dignity and safety.
“We urge that any return should be voluntary, gradual, and carried out with dignity and safety,” – Qaiser Khan Afridi, a spokesperson for UNHCR.
Afridi emphasized the need for compassion during this critical time, stating that “Pakistan has a proud history of hospitality,” which should continue despite rising tensions.
Ceasefire and Future Negotiations
The ceasefire agreement signed in Doha is an opportunity for a new chapter in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Great challenges still lie in wait even after this positive diplomatic push. On October 25, both nations will again sit down in Istanbul to resume discussions. They want to make progress in areas of shared interest and strengthen their bilateral relations.
What these negotiations mean for Afghan refugees is still unclear. Many are left wondering whether diplomatic talks will translate into improved conditions for those seeking refuge from conflict and instability.
“We all possess the UNHCR-issued Proof of Residence cards, but now, with this current drive, I don’t know what will happen,” – Allah Meer.
Afghan refugee communities are still reeling from the profound uncertainty surrounding their status in this country. They live in fear of being forcibly sent back despite ongoing conflict and insecurity in Afghanistan.
