Statement by Displaced International Urging Pakistan to Reconsider Its January 29 Directive on the Forced Repatriation of Afghan Refugees
Displaced International acknowledges Pakistan’s longstanding role in hosting Afghan refugees and urges the government to work collaboratively with international partners to find humane and sustainable solutions for those at risk. We express deep concern over the directive issued on January 29, 2025, which threatens to forcibly repatriate Afghan refugees, including those awaiting resettlement in the United States and other host nations. While we recognize the pressures Pakistan faces, forcibly expelling refugees—many of whom fled persecution—would violate international refugee protections and place thousands of lives in grave danger.
“Over the past four decades, no country has witnessed the suffering of the Afghan people as closely as Pakistan, whose foreign policy has significantly influenced Afghanistan’s security and political landscape—often in ways that have forced Afghans to flee their homeland or made it impossible for them to return voluntarily. From Afghan resettlement applicants temporarily staying in Pakistan to both registered and unregistered refugees, none would remain in Pakistan a day longer than necessary if they could return to a homeland where sustainable peace and safety awaited them,” said Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari, Founder & President of Displaced International.
Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Pakistan has been a crucial refuge for Afghans seeking safety. However, over 800,000 have already been deported or forced to return under dire circumstances, despite urgent appeals from human rights organizations, UN agencies, and the broader international community. The March 31 deadline for deportations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has only intensified uncertainty and fear among vulnerable Afghan families who have no viable options for return.
We urge the government of Pakistan to engage in constructive dialogue with the international community and take the following collaborative steps to uphold humanitarian principles:
- Halt Forced Deportations – We call on Pakistan to pause deportations and uphold its commitment to non-refoulement, ensuring that no refugee is forcibly returned to a country where they face persecution, imprisonment, or harm. A cooperative, solution-driven approach is essential to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis.
- Facilitate Time for Resettlement – Many Afghan refugees in Pakistan are in the final stages of relocation to the U.S. and other host countries. We urge Pakistan to work with governments and international agencies to allow for case processing rather than penalizing refugees for bureaucratic delays beyond their control.
- Strengthen Refugee Protections – Reports of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and detention of Afghan refugees are deeply concerning. Pakistan should ensure fair treatment and work with UNHCR and humanitarian organizations to safeguard refugees’ rights and dignity.
- Engage the U.S. on Resettlement Commitments – The indefinite suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program has left thousands of Afghans stranded in legal and humanitarian limbo. We urge Pakistan to join the call for expedited resettlement and work with the U.S. and other resettlement nations to clear backlogged cases.
We recognize Pakistan’s security and economic challenges, and we encourage the international community to provide additional support in managing this humanitarian situation. The solution lies not in forced deportations but in shared responsibility, strengthened global cooperation, and a commitment to human rights.
Now is the time for compassion and decisive action. We call on Pakistan, host governments, and humanitarian actors to come together and ensure that Afghan refugees are not abandoned or sent back to an uncertain and perilous fate.
Read the global petition launched by Displaced International, calling on the international community to help “halt the forcible deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.” Sign the petition now to support this urgent call for action.
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