PAKISTAN: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES #UNDOTHEDEADLINE CAMPAIGN AGAINST UNLAWFUL DEPORTATION OF AFGHAN NATIONALS

With the Pakistani authorities beginning a new round of deportations for Afghan nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers, living in the country, Amnesty International is launching its new campaign #UndoTheDeadline by releasing a compendium of stories titled ‘ “Treat us like human beings”: Afghans in Pakistan at risk of unlawful deportation.’

Through the #UndoTheDeadline campaign, Amnesty International aims to amplify the voices of Afghans at risk of unlawful deportation, advocate for the respect of their human rights and raise awareness about the urgent need to stop their forced deportations from Pakistan. The compendium spotlights ten stories of Afghan migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who are artists, journalists and women who cannot afford to go back to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and not only risk their lives but also stand to lose decades worth of lives built in Pakistan.

“Afghan nationals including refugees and asylum seekers in Pakistan have been living in a state of fear since the Pakistani authorities announced their phased deportation plans in October 2023. Many Afghans have been in Pakistan for more than four decades. Their lives stand to be completely upended as a result of the Pakistan government’s insistence on violating their obligations under international human rights law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement,” says Babu Ram Pant, Deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International.

Many Afghans have been in Pakistan for more than four decades. Their lives stand to be completely upended as a result of the Pakistan government’s insistence on violating their obligations under international human rights law…

Babu Ram Pant, Deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International

“Afghans seeking refuge and asylum in Pakistan after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 are particularly at risk. These include Afghan women and girls, journalists, human rights defenders, women protestors, artists, and former Afghan government and security officials who fled Taliban’s persecution. Pakistan must reverse its existing policy of forced return to ensure the safety of these individuals.”

Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Pakistan government to reverse its latest decision to expel Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi and formally suspend the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.’

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