The Afghanistan Human Rights Defenders Committee (AHRDC) stated on Monday that the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has deteriorated significantly.

The AHRDC characterized the conditions as “worsening,” primarily due to new directives from Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department that have exacerbated existing challenges faced by the refugee population. The measures have reportedly led to increased harassment, extortion, and bureaucratic obstacles for Afghan migrants, particularly those lacking legal residency documentation.

The committee emphasized that undocumented individuals are particularly vulnerable and often forced to evade law enforcement, which imposes severe psychological and economic strains on them. This precarious status not only jeopardizes their safety but also hinders their ability to support their families. The committee further warned that Pakistan’s policies pose heightened risks for Afghan human rights defenders and other at-risk groups who may face deportation back to Afghanistan, where they could be targeted by Taliban intelligence agencies.

The committee called for urgent international intervention in light of these developments, urging global organizations and the United Nations  to safeguard Afghan refugees from harassment and forced deportation. The AHRDC further stressed the need for systemic reforms in Pakistan to address the role of corruption in exacerbating the plight of refugees and called for expedited visa processes to facilitate legal residency.

The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan is deeply rooted in decades of conflict and instability in Afghanistan. Successive wars, including the Soviet invasion, along with civil strife and the rise of the Taliban, have forced millions of Afghans to flee their homeland since the late 1970s. Pakistan has historically been the primary destinations for Afghan refugees, hosting an estimated 1.4 million registered refugees and an additional 1 million undocumented individuals.

Initially, Pakistan’s policy towards Afghan refugees was relatively open, driven both by humanitarian concerns and geopolitical considerations during the Cold War and later conflicts. Over the years, however, this approach has shifted due to changing political dynamics, security threats, and economic challenges within Pakistan itself. The emergence of militant groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has intensified fears regarding national security, leading to increased scrutiny and crackdowns on Afghan migrants.

In recent years, particularly following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has become increasingly precarious. Many Afghans who fled to Pakistan after the Taliban’s return face a hostile environment marked by xenophobia and suspicion. The Pakistani government has implemented stricter immigration policies and intensified enforcement actions against undocumented migrants, citing security concerns.

The humanitarian implications are severe. Afghan refugees often live in overcrowded and under-resourced conditions, lacking access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing risks of violence and exploitation. As international aid dwindles and local resources become strained, the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan continues to deteriorate, raising urgent calls for a coordinated global response to address their needs and rights effectively.