A Search for Home

In the aftermath of the Taliban's seizure of Afghanistan in 2021, numerous fear-driven citizens have sought refuge in Pakistan. Instead of the safety they hoped for, they encounter a series of challenges, including arbitrary detention, preventive arrests and deportation threats. 

One of the primary issues faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan is the lengthy cumberstone registration process. Due to significant delays in this process, a large majority of refugees do not obtain a PoR (Proof of Registration). Consequently, they are left in a state of uncertainty, lacking the necessary documentation to establish their legal status of protection. Compounding the problem is the fact that many Afghan refugees initially entered Pakistan with regular visas, which have now expired. They are left without any valid documentation justifying their presence as they are exposed to the constant risk of being classified as illegal, thereby facing potential arrest or deportation. The plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan underscores the urgent need for enhanced support and protection measures from the international community. 

Hussain, a former employee of the Ministry of the Interior in Afghanistan (MoI), found himself in a harrowing situation after narrowly escaping the clutches of the Taliban in Kabul. In 2022, Hussain and his family fled to Pakistan seeking safety and security. However, their hopes for a peaceful existence were shattered when they became targets of harassment and persecution by the Pakistani authorities. Hussain's home in Islamabad was raided and ransacked by the police. To his shock, he discovered that several other Afghan families in his neighborhood had also fallen victim to this invasive operation. The authorities apprehended Hussain, handcuffing him and transporting him to the police station late in the evening.At the police station, Hussain and approximately 20 other Afghans were subjected to a rigorous and intrusive interrogation. The Pakistani authorities focused their questioning on matters such as immigration status, employment details, and social connections. Disturbingly, even those individuals who possessed valid visas and were legally residing in the country were detained without justification.

During their detention, the Pakistani authorities confiscated the passports and wallets of Hussain and his fellow detainees. Furthermore, they subjected them to multiple body searches, adding to the already distressing and dehumanizing experience they were enduring.

Hussain's account reveals a deeply concerning pattern of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of Afghan refugees by the Pakistani authorities. These actions not only violate basic human rights but also exacerbate the already vulnerable situation faced by Afghan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan.The following day, Hussain was released from custody, but only after being coerced into paying a "fine" of 30,000 rupees. Disturbingly, the Pakistani authorities did not provide any documentation outlining the reason for his detention or a receipt for the payment. Amnesty International's interviews with five other Afghan individuals who were also detained reveal a disconcerting pattern: each of them was forced to pay fines ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 rupees, yet none received any paperwork confirming their detention or the imposed fines. Hussain expressed his despair, stating that their lives in Pakistan were devoid of any real meaning or security.

These accounts are just a glimpse into the experiences of a fraction of the Afghan asylum seekers who have sought refuge in Pakistan, with hopes of building a new life or finding opportunities to relocate to a third country via Pakistan. Unfortunately, the threats and harassment they endure are compounded by delays in the third-country relocation processes and the issue of expired visas, which leaves them legally vulnerable.

The cases highlighted above underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive and sophisticated approach to address the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan. It is essential for the Pakistani authorities to respect the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Documentation outlining the reasons for detentions and fines should be provided to individuals, ensuring their rights are protected and enabling them to assert their legal status. Moreover, international efforts must be intensified to expedite the relocation processes and offer viable solutions for Afghan refugees, mitigating the legal vulnerabilities they face due to expired visas.