Afghan families arrive from Pakistan with their belongings to Spin Boldak border crossing, in Kandahar province. © UNHCR/Oxygen Empire Media Production
As Pakistan prepares to initiate the second phase of Afghan refugees’ repatriation, the situation is fraught with complexities and challenges. This phase, specifically targeting those Afghan refugees living in Pakistan without valid documentation, is a significant development in the ongoing effort to manage the refugee crisis that has affected the region for decades. The decision, influenced by security concerns and economic pressures, has garnered mixed responses from both the Pakistani government and the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, as well as the refugees themselves.
Pakistan has played a significant role in hosting Afghan refugees for decades, with 2.18 million currently documented, according to the UNHCR. This includes 1.3 million refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards from the 2006-07 census and 880,000 refugees granted Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) in 2017. However, the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 spurred a new influx of 600,000 to 800,000 Afghans, many of whom lack valid documentation. This situation has heightened Pakistan’s security and economic challenges, prompting efforts to repatriate those without proper legal status. The issue highlights the ongoing complexities of refugee management in the region.
The Pakistani government, led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has made it clear that the repatriation effort is rooted in the need to address security and economic concerns. In a meeting with a United Nations delegation led by the Special Representative for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte, Naqvi emphasized that terrorism remains a global issue, with Pakistan being one of the most affected countries. The influx of undocumented refugees has, according to the government, exacerbated security challenges, including the potential for cross-border terrorism.
The economic burden of hosting such a large refugee population also cannot be overlooked. Pakistan’s resources are already strained, and the presence of a significant number of undocumented refugees adds to the pressure on public services, employment, and housing. The government believes that repatriating those without valid documentation is a necessary step to regain control over the situation and ensure national security.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has responded cautiously to Pakistan’s repatriation plans. While they acknowledge Pakistan’s concerns, they have also expressed the need for the process to be handled humanely and with respect for the refugees’ rights. The Taliban have called on Pakistan to ensure that the repatriation is voluntary and that those returning are not subjected to coercion or undue hardship. They have also requested that Pakistan provide adequate notice and support to those affected, so they have time to prepare for their return.
The Taliban government has pledged to reintegrate returning refugees into Afghan society, but the reality on the ground presents significant challenges. Afghanistan’s economy is in dire straits, with limited employment opportunities and ongoing security concerns. For many refugees, the prospect of returning to Afghanistan is daunting, and there is fear that they may face persecution or violence, especially those who fled due to their association with the previous government or foreign forces.
The Refugees’ Perspective
For the Afghan refugees who are facing repatriation, the situation is one of deep uncertainty and fear. Many have lived in Pakistan for years, if not decades, and have built their lives there. The prospect of returning to Afghanistan, a country still reeling from conflict and economic collapse, is not appealing to many.
Some refugees express a sense of betrayal, feeling that they are being forced to leave a country that has been their home for so long. “We left Afghanistan because it was no longer safe for us,” says Ahmad, a refugee who has been living in Pakistan for over a decade. “Now we are being told to go back, but nothing has changed there. The same dangers still exist.”
Others, however, see repatriation as an inevitable reality and are trying to prepare for the transition. Fatima, a young mother of two, is resigned to the idea of returning but worries about the future. “We don’t have any property or savings back in Afghanistan. We will be starting from scratch,” she says. “But what choice do we have? We can’t stay here without papers, and there are no opportunities for us here.
As the second phase of the repatriation process looms, the international community is watching closely. There are calls for Pakistan to ensure that the process is conducted in line with international standards, with a focus on the safety and dignity of the refugees. The UNHCR has expressed its willingness to assist in the process, but the scale of the challenge is immense.
For Pakistan, the task is to balance its security and economic concerns with its humanitarian obligations. The government’s decision to repatriate undocumented refugees reflects a growing frustration with the prolonged refugee crisis, but it also underscores the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of displacement.
The success of this repatriation effort will depend on close coordination between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the international community. It will require careful planning, adequate resources, and, most importantly, a commitment to ensuring that the rights and dignity of the refugees are upheld throughout the process.
In conclusion, the start of the second phase of Afghan refugees’ repatriation is a complex and sensitive issue, one that highlights the broader challenges facing both Pakistan and Afghanistan. While the Pakistani government has valid reasons for wanting to manage the refugee situation more effectively, the human cost of repatriation cannot be ignored. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this process unfolds and what the future holds for the thousands of Afghan refugees who are once again facing an uncertain journey.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
