RASC News Agency: The Afghanistan Human Rights Committee has appealed to the international community and human rights organizations to provide urgent protection for Afghanistani refugees in Pakistan. These refugees are reportedly subjected to harassment, extortion, forced deportations, and bureaucratic obstacles. In a recent statement, the committee warned that Pakistan’s current policies significantly heighten risks for Afghanistan human rights defenders and other vulnerable groups, particularly those who, upon deportation, may face detention by Taliban intelligence forces.
The committee underscored that Pakistan’s policies impose severe psychological and financial hardships on Afghanistani refugees. It urged the global community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to “ensure the safety of Afghanistani refugees against harassment, forced deportations, and the grave risks associated with such actions.” The committee further called for global action to combat systemic corruption that exacerbates the difficulties faced by Afghanistani migrants. It also demanded streamlined visa processes to alleviate their plight. In addition, the committee sought financial assistance to support Afghanistani refugees residing in Pakistan.
Recent reports reveal that Pakistani authorities, particularly in Islamabad, have intensified crackdowns on Afghanistani refugees. Special police units have conducted raids on refugee residences in various parts of the capital, including B-17 and Bhara Kahu, detaining both documented and undocumented migrants and transferring them to detention centers. Media accounts indicate that even women and children have been arrested during these operations. The Islamabad police escalated these measures following statements by the country’s interior minister, who alleged that some Afghanistani refugees had participated in last month’s protests organized by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
