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Amnesty Urges Pakistan PM to Halt Afghan Refugee Deportations, Harassment

Amnesty International has written an open letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister, expressing grave concern over the harassment and unlawful deportation of Afghan refugees. The letter demands authorities halt deportations and protect refugees in line with international law. It cites UNHCR data showing about 110,000 refugees face direct deportation threats. Pakistan's repatriation plan, launched in 2023, has already led to the return of nearly 1.5 million Afghans.

Key Points: Amnesty Flags Afghan Refugee Harassment in Pakistan to PM

  • Open letter to PM Shehbaz Sharif
  • Highlights unlawful detention and deportation
  • Cites threat to 110,000 refugees
  • Notes vulnerability of women and activists
2 min read

Rights group flags harassment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, pens letter to PM

Amnesty International writes to Pakistan's PM, demanding protection for Afghan refugees from deportation and harassment by security agencies.

"Pakistani authorities must ensure that the rights of Afghan refugees are protected - Amnesty International Letter"

New Delhi, Jan 11

Amnesty International, a leading human rights organisation, has asked the Pakistani government to protect and shield the Afghan refugees, staying in their territory, from harassment and unlawful torture by security agencies.

Penning an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it has expressed grave concerns over unlawful detention, harassment and deportation of Afghan refugees living there, highlighting the fact that they remain vulnerable and deserve state protection.

It demanded that Pakistani authorities take proactive steps to halt the deportation of Afghan refugees and ensure that they are safeguarded as per international human rights law.

"Pakistani authorities must ensure that the rights of Afghan refugees are protected, particularly protection from arbitrary detention and eviction from refugee camps and their accommodations," the letter to Pak PM said.

Citing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data, Amnesty International stated that around 110,000 refugees and asylum seekers were faced with direct threats of deportation and therefore require protection. It also shifted the focus to the vulnerability of women, journalists, and human rights activists if forcibly returned to Afghanistan.

Notably, Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over 40 years, sheltering hundreds of thousands who fled conflict and political upheaval. However, since the launch of the "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" in September 2023, Pakistan stepped up efforts to repatriate undocumented and unverified Afghans, including some with legal refugee status.

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 1,495,851 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the deportation campaign began, with nearly half, 778,739, returning in 2025 alone.

Also, similar deportation drives are taking place in nations like Iran. According to estimates, more than four million Afghans have been deported or forced to return from Pakistan and Iran since September 2023, including more than 2.6 million in 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the situation is tragic, we must also look at our own borders. India has always been a land of refuge, but we also face challenges with illegal immigration. It's a complex issue that needs a balanced approach, not just emotional reactions.
A
Aman W
The hypocrisy is glaring. Pakistan's establishment often lectures others on human rights, but look at their own actions. Deporting refugees who sought shelter for 40 years? Shameful. Amnesty's letter is important, but will it make a difference? I doubt it.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with refugee communities, this is a humanitarian crisis. The scale is immense - 2.6 million in 2025 alone from Pakistan and Iran. The international community, including India, should advocate for their protection. No one chooses to be a refugee.
V
Vikram M
It's a difficult situation for any country. Hosting millions for 40 years is a huge burden. Maybe Pakistan's economy is under pressure? But still, sending back people to a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, especially women and journalists, is just wrong. There has to be a better way.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while Amnesty's concerns are valid, their letter might be too little, too late. The "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" started in 2023. Where was the global outcry then? Now that half a million have returned in just 2025, they write a letter? Action was needed much earlier.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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