Afghan refugees in Pakistan face arrests and forced relocations as part of a growing repatriation campaign, raising concerns from the U.N. Refugee Agency.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing arrests and harassment as part of a mass expulsion campaign, according to the Afghan embassy in Islamabad. The U.N.'s refugee agency reported that hundreds of Afghan nationals have been forcibly expelled from the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as Pakistan intensifies efforts to repatriate approximately four million Afghans who fled during decades of conflict and after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The Afghan embassy stated that its citizens have recently been subjected to arbitrary arrests, searches, and orders from local authorities to relocate from the capital, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi to other areas within Pakistan. The embassy added that this process, which started without any prior official notice, had not been formally communicated to Afghan diplomats.
Pakistan’s foreign office, however, denied claims of harassment, asserting that these actions are part of the "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" initiated in 2023. Authorities also stated that they expect Afghanistan’s interim government to create conditions for the successful reintegration of returning refugees.
Despite these assurances, the Afghan embassy revealed that Pakistani officials had informed them of plans to deport all Afghan nationals in the near future, with only valid visa holders allowed to remain in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) confirmed a rise in deportations since January 1, expressing concern over the growing uncertainty among Afghan refugees about imminent expulsions.
These developments come as the U.S. prepares to close the office overseeing the resettlement of Afghan refugees by April, potentially halting the resettlement of up to 200,000 Afghans, many of whom are currently stranded in Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s economy showed growth in 2023-2024, but high poverty, unemployment, and weak demand persist. Inflation rose in December, while the trade deficit surged by 54% to $9 billion. Despite improved food exports, declines in textiles and coal exports signal ongoing economic challenges.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, met with Qatar's Prime Minister to discuss Afghanistan’s challenges. The Qatari leader reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the country's stability and humanitarian needs.
Explosion near Kabul's Urban Development Ministry: Suicide bomber neutralized, one killed, three injured. ISKP suspected amid rising security threats in Afghanistan.
The European Union will seek more gas from countries including the U.S. to replace Russian supplies, and expand renewable energy faster to cut its overall reliance on the fuel, the EU's energy commissioner has said.
n 2024, Russian courts imposed fines on Google LLC four times, totaling 15.1 million rubles ($172,300), according to the press service of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor).
11 countries pledged to fully enforce UN sanctions on North Korea after the first MSMT meeting. The group, formed after Russia’s veto, aims to track violations and enforcement. Nations reaffirmed their commitment to security while keeping the door open for dialogue.
Armenia remains hopeful that talks with Türkiye on reopening the border will yield positive results, with National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace and stability, as reported by Armenian media.
Estée Lauder and L’Oréal are facing challenges in the Chinese market as local beauty brands gain popularity. Rising competition, shifting consumer preferences, and economic factors have impacted sales, forcing global cosmetics giants to adapt their strategies.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
n 2024, Russian courts imposed fines on Google LLC four times, totaling 15.1 million rubles ($172,300), according to the press service of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor).
11 countries pledged to fully enforce UN sanctions on North Korea after the first MSMT meeting. The group, formed after Russia’s veto, aims to track violations and enforcement. Nations reaffirmed their commitment to security while keeping the door open for dialogue.
Boston, February 19, 2025 – In a powerful display of national pride and defiance, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used Canada’s recent win in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final as a platform to send a clear message to U.S. President Donald Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron said France may deploy forces to secure peace in Ukraine after a ceasefire, urging Europe to strengthen its defence amid shifting US-Russia relations.
The European Union will seek more gas from countries including the U.S. to replace Russian supplies, and expand renewable energy faster to cut its overall reliance on the fuel, the EU's energy commissioner has said.
n 2024, Russian courts imposed fines on Google LLC four times, totaling 15.1 million rubles ($172,300), according to the press service of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor).
11 countries pledged to fully enforce UN sanctions on North Korea after the first MSMT meeting. The group, formed after Russia’s veto, aims to track violations and enforcement. Nations reaffirmed their commitment to security while keeping the door open for dialogue.
Armenia remains hopeful that talks with Türkiye on reopening the border will yield positive results, with National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace and stability, as reported by Armenian media.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment