Pakistan deports Afghans awaiting U.S. resettlement amid diplomatic tensions

This action by Pakistani authorities has complicated the resettlement efforts of these Afghans, particularly as the U.S. has closed its embassy in Kabul. The Afghans now face human rights restrictions and severe financial and humanitarian crises in their homeland. Advocacy groups and Afghan applicants claim that Pakistani officials often disregarded U.S. embassy letters of protection.

Expulsion Amid Accusations of Harboring Militants

The deportation initiative, which began on November 1, targets over a million undocumented foreigners, primarily Afghans. This move follows accusations against Kabul for harboring Pakistani militants, which the ruling Taliban denies. The United Nations reports that more than 450,000 Afghans have returned home, many facing harsh winter conditions near the border. Among those deported are at least 130 Afghans being processed for U.S. special immigration visas or refugee resettlement.

Challenges in the Resettlement Process

Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, states that over 230 Afghans have been arrested, with around 80 since released. The U.S. State Department acknowledges the difficulty in tracking these cases and admits the number of deportees while awaiting U.S. resettlement is small. Despite efforts by the U.S. embassy in Islamabad, which issued protection letters to about 25,000 Afghans, local authorities often overlooked these documents in many instances.

The Plight of Affected Families

The deportations and arrests highlight the uncertain situation faced by Afghans promised protection and resettlement by Washington. Many entered Pakistan with visas that expired during the prolonged processing of their applications, leading to financial strain and inability to renew visas. Reuters interviewed Afghan families who were deported or detained despite holding embassy letters. These families now reside in Kabul, living in fear and unable to secure employment due to their precarious situation.

International and U.S. Responses

The U.S. State Department has made efforts to maintain contact with thousands of Afghans in Pakistan through a WhatsApp-based emergency hotline. In several cases, they have successfully averted deportations flagged via the hotline. High-level U.S. officials, including Afghanistan Special Representative Thomas West, have visited Islamabad for discussions on the issue, though the outcome remains unclear. Meanwhile, Pakistan contends with its own economic and security crises, stating it cannot host the influx of Afghans since the Taliban's takeover.