Pakistan’s Firm Stance on Afghan Refugees Amid U.S. Policy Changes

Pakistan has warned the U.S. it will deport Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement if their cases are denied or not processed in time. This follows President Trump’s suspension of the Afghan refugee settlement program. Thousands of Afghans are currently in Pakistan, and the Pakistani government plans to enforce stricter immigration policies, potentially requiring their return to Afghanistan.

Pakistan has communicated to the United States its intention to deport all Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement if the relocation deadline is not met or their cases are declined. This message was relayed through diplomatic channels following President Donald Trump’s executive order to suspend the Afghan refugee settlement program for 90 days.

In light of the ongoing conflict, thousands of Afghans, who provided assistance to the U.S. and its allies during operations against the Taliban, sought refuge in Pakistan. The Pakistani government has allowed them temporary residency pending their resettlement to the U.S. as promised by American officials.

Despite assurances from the U.S. about the issuance of special immigration visas, the process of relocation has grown increasingly sluggish under the Biden administration. Previously, the U.S. government had committed to relocating eligible Afghans by September 2025, a goal that now faces challenges due to the suspension of the program.

Pakistan’s concerns stem from the apprehension that many of these Afghan nationals may remain stranded indefinitely due to stringent immigration policies. Consequently, it has explicitly indicated that no Afghan could reside in Pakistan beyond the designated deadline.

Although neither country has disclosed the precise number of stranded Afghans, estimates suggest there could be between 15,000 to 25,000 individuals. Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, stated that failure to relocate these individuals on time would render them illegal immigrants, necessitating their return to Afghanistan.

Nonetheless, the Foreign Minister has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with the U.S. to address the challenges faced. Furthermore, Pakistan has resolved to adopt a stricter policy regarding Afghan refugees and has signaled intentions to ensure the repatriation of all Afghans, regardless of their legal status.

The campaign to enforce repatriation, which commenced in October 2023 targeting undocumented Afghans, is now being expanded to include all Afghan nationals due to the complicated dynamics of Pakistan’s relationship with the Taliban government.

Pakistan is firmly intent on deporting Afghans awaiting relocation if the U.S. does not adhere to set timelines. This decision is influenced by Pakistan’s strained relations with the Taliban and the slow pace of U.S. immigration processes. Pakistan’s government is poised to undertake measures ensuring the repatriation of Afghans, thereby tightening its immigration policies towards them.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk