Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has stopped the deportation of 18 Afghan citizens and sought explanations from the authorities. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued the order on Monday, instructing the Interior Ministry, NADRA, the Directorate General of Immigration, the FIA, and the police to submit their responses.
The ruling came after the petitioners challenged the government’s move to cancel their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Their lawyer told the court that the cards were revoked on 4 August, and deportation orders followed immediately.
Petitioners Claim Legal Compliance
The lawyer argued that the Afghan migrants belong to the family of the late Fazlur Rahman, who had applied for Pakistani citizenship in 2008. He said Rahman met all legal requirements, but the application has remained unresolved for over 15 years. The cancellation of their PoR cards, he added, was arbitrary and without due process.
The court directed that no forced action be taken against the petitioners until further notice. It also instructed officials to ensure that the Afghan migrants are not expelled from Pakistan before the next hearing on 18 September.
Deportation Drive Intensifies
The order comes amid Pakistan’s renewed crackdown on undocumented Afghans. Authorities launched the first phase of deportations in 2023, which forced over one million Afghans to return home. In recent weeks, a second phase began, targeting thousands more.
The government has also suspended visa extensions for Afghan citizens, creating uncertainty for those who were previously residing legally. Officials justify the campaign as a national security measure, citing concerns over militancy and undocumented migration.
Human rights organizations, however, have raised alarms over the humanitarian impact of mass deportations. They argue that Afghan families who have lived in Pakistan for decades face the risk of persecution and poverty upon return.
Key Issue at Stake
The case highlights a growing legal battle over Afghan migrants in Pakistan. While the state seeks strict border control, families with long-standing ties insist on their right to due process. The Islamabad High Court’s decision to halt deportation underscores the tension between security priorities and humanitarian obligations.
