United Nations agencies have raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s decision to deport thousands of Afghan nationals who are awaiting U.S. visas. The deportation order, announced on February 4, 2025, affects over 70,000 Afghan refugees who fled violence in Afghanistan in recent years. They are currently in Pakistan, waiting to be relocated to the United States under a special refugee program.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have both expressed alarm over the sudden shift in policy. “Many of these individuals face an uncertain future,” said UNHCR spokesperson Maria Lopez. “Sending them back to Afghanistan, where security is unstable, poses a grave risk.” These organizations fear that deporting people back to a war-torn country could expose them to violence and persecution.
Pakistan’s government claims that the deportations are necessary to improve security and strengthen the border, citing rising threats from militants. However, critics argue that this decision is a violation of human rights, leaving vulnerable refugees in a precarious position. Many Afghan refugees in Pakistan have no way of returning to Afghanistan due to ongoing violence and instability, and their futures are now uncertain.
Afghan nationals who have already applied for U.S. resettlement have been living in limbo for years, with their applications still pending. Most fled to Pakistan after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. These individuals were seeking refuge in a safer environment and had hoped to start new lives in the U.S., where they could rebuild after fleeing conflict.
The deportation plan raises significant humanitarian concerns, particularly for families with children and the elderly. “Forcing people to return to Afghanistan, where they could face violence or starvation, is inhumane,” said Azizullah, a refugee living in Pakistan. Many refugees have expressed fear about their safety, knowing that their homeland remains highly unstable.
While the U.S. government has not yet responded to Pakistan’s decision, advocacy groups are calling for diplomatic intervention to stop the deportations. Human rights organizations are urging both Pakistan and the U.S. to work together to ensure that vulnerable refugees are not sent back to danger. These groups stress that deporting refugees before they have a chance to be resettled in the U.S. could undermine trust in international asylum processes.
Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghan refugees comes at a time when global attention is focused on migration issues. The country has already faced criticism for its handling of refugee policies in recent years. With the U.S. offering a special program for Afghan evacuees, the deportation order complicates the situation, making it harder for these refugees to secure the protection they need.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring Pakistan’s actions. The potential for widespread human rights violations is high, and diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent further harm. The future of thousands of Afghan refugees now rests on whether governments can work together to ensure their safety and well-being.
