Islamabad, Pakistan – For Mohammad Laal Khan, Pakistan represents a life of belonging. Born in South Waziristan, he has spent much of his life in the Islamabad suburbs, where he married, raised children, and faced the bittersweet reality of loss when he buried his eldest brother. This lengthy and heartfelt connection to Pakistan was disrupted last November by a late-night police raid that left him feeling precariously unwelcome in a place he has always called home.
The Khan family, comprising Khan’s mother and four brothers, carries a lineage that traces back to Afghanistan due to the upheaval caused by the Soviet invasion in the 1980s. Having settled in Islamabad during the 1990s, the family has lived in modest conditions, lacking basic utilities. However, this sense of home has been jeopardized, as Khan now finds himself on a deportation list.
Reflecting on their plight, Khan expressed a deep sorrow at being labeled a threat simply due to their Afghan heritage. Their family holds Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC), official documents recognizing their status as Afghan nationals in Pakistan. Yet, a recent and systematic crackdown has seen nearly 850,000 Afghan nationals, including women and children, faced with expulsion from the country.
As April 1 approaches, the deadline looms ominously over families like Khan’s, who have built lives and communities in Pakistan over decades. Khan articulates a communal sentiment: “We don’t know anything about Afghanistan,” he shares, highlighting the difficulty of being uprooted from a place they have contributed to and cherished.
Approximately 2.5 million Afghans reside in Pakistan, many of whom have established roots in various sectors, contributing positively to the nation’s economy and cultural tapestry. Previous documents that afforded them protection are now being disregarded under a new governmental policy aimed at deportation.
While government officials reaffirm their commitment to maintaining national security amid regional unrest, voices from the international community, including the UNHCR and human rights organizations, have urged a reconsideration of these policies. Critics argue that the measures risk undoing years of coexistence and community-building.
Amid ongoing tensions, the broader narrative surrounding Afghan nationals in Pakistan needs a compassionate re-evaluation. Families like Khan’s and empowered individuals such as Benazir Raofi serve as dynamic reminders of the rich tapestry of resilience and hope among Afghan refugees. Raofi, who has transformed her experiences and struggles into a thriving cafe that provides community support, exemplifies the essential role Afghan nationals play in enhancing the cultural and social frameworks of their host country.
As the situation unfolds, it remains essential to address the humanitarian dimensions of migration, ensuring that individuals facing expulsion are afforded the dignity of choice in their relocation. The call for dialogue and understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan resonates strongly against the backdrop of historical ties and shared futures.
In this complex scenario, fostering a spirit of hospitality and recognizing the contributions of refugees can pave the way for a more inclusive and robust society in the region.
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