A group of Afghan activists and human rights advocates entered the third day of protests in Islamabad on Thursday, denouncing Pakistan’s ongoing deportation of Afghan migrants as “inhumane, illegal, and in violation of international principles.”
The demonstrators, many of whom fled Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, say they will continue their protest until authorities respond to their concerns.
The protest initially began in Islamabad’s F-6 district but was relocated to the G-6 area after police intervened and dispersed the crowd.
Ahmad Zia Faiz, one of the protest participants, told Afghanistan International that their aim is to stop the forced return of Afghans who fled for safety after the fall of the previous Afghan government.
“Pakistan has stopped renewing visas, and police arrest and deport hundreds of Afghans daily,” he said. “These people face serious threats in Afghanistan. We will continue our protest until this process is stopped.”
Faiz added that there is credible evidence that some deported individuals have faced threats and persecution by the Taliban upon their return.
Another protester, Diba Farahmand, said: “Today is the third day of our protest, but we will continue until our demands are met. The Pakistani government must find a proper solution for Afghan migrants, as these deportations are dangerous.”
In a statement issued by the group, the protesters called on the United Nations and international organisations to take urgent action. They asserted that refugees have the right to live in safety and should not be forcibly returned to countries where their lives are at risk.
One protester, Mehrin Mohammadi, was arrested by Islamabad police on Thursday, 31 July. In a voice message shared with Afghanistan International, she confirmed her detention while participating in the march.
Afghan migrants in Pakistan say the country’s immigration authorities have halted visa renewals, leaving thousands in legal limbo. They also report increasing incidents of arbitrary arrests and deportations.
