Why Pakistan is Deporting Afghan Refugees with Madiha Afzal
Nov 20, 2023
auto_awesome
Madiha Afzal, a Fellow at the Brookings Institution, explores the recent aggressive wave of deportations of Afghan refugees by Pakistan, the connection to terrorism concerns, and the potential ramifications on Afghanistan's humanitarian situation.
Pakistan is aggressively deporting Afghan refugees to shift blame for increased terrorism onto them and pressure Western countries to expedite the resettlement process.
The deportation drive exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the Afghan Taliban's ability to sustain support and economic opportunities uncertain.
Deep dives
Pakistan's Deportation of Afghan Refugees: Context and Motivations
Pakistan, currently governed by a military-backed caretaker government, has implemented an aggressive deportation drive targeting Afghan refugees, some of whom have been in Pakistan for generations. This move is seen as a reflection of the military's push, demonstrating its displeasure with the Afghan Taliban government. The narrative being used to justify this action includes claims of refugees being an economic burden and allegations of links to terrorism. Pakistan's objective appears to be twofold: domestically, it shifts blame for increased terrorism onto refugees, and internationally, it puts pressure on Western countries to expedite the resettlement process. The response from the Afghan Taliban has initially been welcoming, but the sustainability of their efforts to provide support and economic opportunities remains uncertain.
The Historical Context of Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations and the Afghan Refugee Population
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been long and complex, heavily influenced by historical events such as the Soviet-Afghan War and the US-led war on terror. Since 1979, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, some of whom have been in the country for over four decades. However, Pakistan is not signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, leaving the refugees in a temporary and legally precarious position. Integration with Pakistani society has been limited due to their lack of citizenship rights. The current deportation drive is seen in the context of Pakistan's strained relationship with the Afghan Taliban government and its desire to offload the perceived burden of refugees.
Living Conditions and Legal Status of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Afghan refugees in Pakistan live with a temporary legal status, holding registration cards that allow them limited rights, including the ability to work. Pakistan does not provide a path to citizenship or full assimilation for refugees. Integration into Pakistani society is hindered by their precarious legal status. While some refugees own businesses and contribute to the economy, their opportunities are constrained. The recent deportations target both documented and undocumented refugees, including those born and raised in Pakistan. The refugees face the challenge of starting afresh in Afghanistan, where economic opportunities are limited, particularly for women, and the country's socio-economic environment has deteriorated since the end of the US war.
Implications and Future Outlook
The deportation drive has the potential to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan's response to pressure from international actors and the Afghan Taliban will determine the trajectory of the crisis. Increased attention and reporting may help slow down or alter the policy, particularly if it highlights the hardships faced by refugees and the negative impact of deportations. The Afghan Taliban's response, while initially welcoming, may face challenges in providing sustained support and economic opportunities. The international community's response and willingness to assist in managing the refugee situation will also play a crucial role.
Over the past few weeks, the country of Pakistan has pursued an aggressive wave of deportations targeting thousands of Afghan refugees, some of whom have been in Pakistan for generations. Many fear that this move will add to the already precarious and humanitarian situation facing Afghanistan. But the Taliban regime, for one, has reacted in a way few expected.
To talk through these refugee removals and their ramifications, Lawfare Senior Editor Scott R. Anderson sat down with Madiha Afzal, a Fellow in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution. They talked about the origins of the Afghan refugee population in Pakistan, how this latest action intersects with concerns over terrorism, and where the crisis may be headed next.
