Afghan Activists in Islamabad Continue Protests Against Deportation for Third Day
Protests by Afghan activists and human rights advocates against the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan have entered their third day in Islamabad. Demonstrators are calling the deportations "inhumane, illegal, and contrary to international principles."
Kokcha News Agency: The protests, which began in Islamabad’s F-6 area but were disrupted by police, have now moved to the G-6 area. Demonstrators are demanding an immediate halt to the deportation of Afghan migrants who fled to Pakistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, citing the dangers they face if forced to return.
Ahmad Zia Faiz, one of the protesters, told Afghanistan International that their goal is to stop the deportation of Afghans whose lives are at risk in Afghanistan. He stated, “The Pakistani government has stopped extending visas, and police are arresting and deporting hundreds of Afghans daily. These individuals face serious threats in Afghanistan. We will continue protesting until this process stops.”
Faiz also highlighted that some deported Afghans have faced threats from the Taliban upon their return to Afghanistan.
Deeba Farhmand, another protester, emphasized, “Today is the third day of our protest, but this gathering will continue until our demands are met. The Pakistani government must find a suitable solution for Afghan migrants, as these deportations are life-threatening.”
In a statement, the protesters said they have gathered to defend Afghans at risk of deportation. They stressed that refugees have the right to live in safety and should not be forcibly deported. They called on the United Nations and international organizations to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, Mehrin Mohammadi, one of the protesters, was arrested on Thursday, August 9. In an audio message sent to Afghanistan International, she said she was detained by Islamabad police while on her way to the protest.
Afghan migrants in Pakistan say the country’s immigration authorities have suspended the visa extension process, and Pakistani police are arresting and deporting Afghans awaiting visa renewals.
Pakistan began deporting undocumented Afghans last year, a move that has drawn widespread criticism, as many of these refugees fled Taliban threats and face danger upon return.
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