Islamabad, The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) convened a high-profile consultation earlier today, urging the government to reverse its decision to evict undocumented foreigners by 1 November. HRCP asserted that the decision is beyond the purview of a caretaker government and equates to forced repatriation, a move not recognized under international law. The decision will predominantly impact Afghan refugees and asylum seekers who are in vulnerable positions, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those at risk due to their professions.
Among the participants were civil society activists, lawyers, political figures such as former senator Afrasiab Khattak, representatives from the Afghan refugee community, and delegates from UNHCR and IOM.
Farhatullah Babar, former senator and HRCP Council member, stressed that the lack of domestic refugee laws shouldn’t be a justification for neglecting refugee rights, especially in light of Pakistan’s tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and UNHCR. He proposed the establishment of a national refugee council to bridge communication between the government and refugees.
Sadia Bokhari, another HRCP Council member, shared findings from a recent fact-finding mission which revealed that multiple Afghan settlements in Islamabad had been razed by the CDA under the guise of an anti-encroachment campaign. Many of these displaced residents possess POR cards and have reported instances of harassment, intimidation, and extortion by police post the government’s notification on foreigners.
Dr. Saba Gul Khattak, a researcher on refugee rights, emphasized the importance of accurate and public data on refugees and asylum seekers to ensure equitable needs assessment. The general consensus among the participants was that the lack of proper documentation paves the way for rights infringements. Furthermore, ejecting an entire community predominantly for security reasons is seen as collective punishment. Suggestions were made for a timeline-based citizenship process for long-standing residents. Former MNA Mohsin Dawar highlighted a unanimous recommendation from the foreign relations committee he presided over, urging Pakistan to join the 1951 Refugees Convention.
The Afghan refugee community’s representatives noted the impracticality of expecting hundreds of thousands of refugees to return to Afghanistan within such a short timeframe, especially when many consider Pakistan their only home. UNHCR delegates mentioned that refugee repatriation should be voluntary and in line with international standards, ensuring dignity, safety, and informed consent for resettlement. An IOM representative conveyed the agency’s readiness to assist the Pakistani government in adhering to these standards.
HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani wrapped up the consultation by emphasizing the need for tailored solutions for different refugee groups. She highlighted that despite the lack of a concrete policy on refugees, Pakistan remains obligated by international customary law, insisting that any policy should prioritize humanitarian considerations over security. The information was shared through a press release from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).