Afghans Hiding in Pakistan Live in Fear of Forced Deportation
The Fears of Undocumented Afghans in Pakistan
Afghans hiding in Pakistan live in fear of forced deportation, with thousands of Afghans and their families caught up in a complex web of deportations, detentions, and uncertainty. For many, the mere thought of being sent back to Afghanistan is a constant, gnawing fear that haunts their daily lives.
A Life of Constant Fear
10-year-old Nabila’s life is limited to her one-bedroom home in Islamabad and the dirt road outside it. Since December, she hasn’t been to her local school, when it decided it would no longer accept Afghans without a valid Pakistani birth certificate. But even if she could go to classes, Nabila says she wouldn’t. "I was off sick one day, and I heard police came looking for Afghan children," she cries, as she tells us her friend’s family were sent back to Afghanistan.
A Surge in Deportations, Arrests, and Detentions
Pakistan’s capital and the neighboring city of Rawalpindi are witnessing a surge in deportations, arrests, and detentions of Afghans, the UN says. It estimates that more than half of the three million Afghans in the country are undocumented. Afghans describe a life of constant fear and near daily police raids on their homes.
Families in Peril
Ahmad, a refugee, has witnessed the devastating consequences of these raids firsthand. His family was held for three days in "unimaginable conditions," he says. "I couldn’t leave them behind." His family was given one blanket per family, one piece of bread per day, and their phones were confiscated. The Pakistani government says it ensures "no one is mistreated or harassed during the repatriation process."
A Plea for Help
As the situation continues to unfold, many Afghans are left with one question: what’s next? "I’m scared," says Nabila, her voice shaking with fear. "I don’t know what’s going to happen to us." Will you stand with them? Are you with us? #AfghansInPakistan #ForcedDeportation #RefugeeCrisis
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