IOM and Amnesty International Urge Pakistan to Ensure Legal Deportation Process
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Amnesty International have called on Pakistan to adhere to legal deportation procedures due to the ongoing arrests and mistreatment of Afghan migrants. Over 800 Afghans have been detained in Islamabad since January 1, 2025.
Afghan refugees in Islamabad now require a No Objection Certificate (NOC), adding to their documentation burdens. Following Pakistan’s ‘Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan’ announced in October 2023, 783,918 individuals have been repatriated to Afghanistan.
Amnesty International urges Pakistan to honor its international obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they may face harm.
Recently, a Pakistani court suspended the deportation of 150 Afghan musicians and singers for two months, ensuring their asylum applications are decided first. These individuals fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021 and have faced uncertainty since Pakistan’s crackdown on illegal migrants began in 2023.
Amnesty International stresses the need for Pakistan to comply with international law and calls for the immediate release of detained Afghans. The organization urges Pakistan to fulfill its obligations and ensure the rights and safety of all migrants.
