In a new letter, Amnesty International has expressed concern regarding the safety of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Amnesty stated that due to lack of processes to regularise the stay of Afghan refugees in Pakistan the refugees are facing discrimination and are at risk of arrest.
Amnesty listed administrative hurdles to obtain identification documents and problems in visa renewal as some of the issues faced by Afghan refugees.
While thanking Pakistan for hosting most Afghan refugees, the organisation however, stated that it is alarmed by the prolonged legal uncertainty experienced by the refugees as the country lacks national legislation for protection of refugees and asylum seekers.
“Afghan refugees are in limbo in Pakistan as the country has no established procedure to determine refugee status. They cannot rent houses, open bank accounts, activate SIM card or even receive medical treatment,” said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General, Amnesty International.
Amnesty also spoke about the detained protestors and urged the government of Pakistan to release them. It also asked Islamabad to reconsider their process of renewing of visas without visiting Afghanistan as most of those refugees are former government officials, journalists or activists, who are at risk of persecution from the Taliban.
Amnesty International also urged Pakistan not to forcefully deport Afghan refugees whose visas expire before December 31, 2022, a deadline set by up the country.
