Pakistan Orders Eviction of Afghan Nationals from Islamabad

In a significant move, the Pakistani government has initiated a mass expulsion of Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad, setting a strict deadline for their departure. Afghan citizens have been informed that they must vacate the capital by February 28, 2025. This directive also extends to those holding valid visas, which have become increasingly difficult to obtain, granting them a reprieve until the end of March.

Among those affected are approximately 3,000 individuals who are participants in German resettlement programs. These individuals have been awaiting their transfer to Germany for several months, having had their eligibility for protection recognized by the German authorities. The urgency of the situation is underscored as the countdown begins for their potential expulsion.

This latest policy follows a previous announcement made in the autumn of 2023, when the Pakistani government mandated the mass deportation of hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees. The current measures reflect a stringent approach towards Afghan nationals, many of whom fled their homeland due to the ongoing instability and the rise of the Taliban.

The international community has expressed concern regarding the treatment of Afghan refugees, particularly with the difficult circumstances many face in Pakistan. Humanitarian organizations have called for a review of these policies, urging the government to consider the vulnerabilities of these individuals, particularly those who have received international support and recognition.

As the deadline approaches, the situation for Afghan nationals in Islamabad remains precarious. Many are grappling with uncertainty regarding their future, while the Pakistani authorities maintain that the implementation of these policies is necessary for national security and immigration control.