Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Eviction and Dread Return

Afghan Refugees Huddled in Islamabad Park

• 📌 Hundreds of Afghan refugees, including documented families, are living in an Islamabad park after being pressured by Pakistan to leave their homes.
• 🌧️ Families are forced to cook, sleep, and dry belongings in the park, facing harsh weather conditions with inadequate food and medical care.
• 💡 One refugee, Samya, from the persecuted Hazara minority, gave birth three weeks ago and is struggling with illness and lack of support for her baby.

Pakistan's Crackdown on Afghan Refugees

• ⚠️ Pakistan has intensified efforts to expel Afghan refugees, citing allegations of crime and militancy, which are rejected by the Taliban.
• 🎯 The crackdown is part of a nationwide effort ahead of a September 1st deadline, potentially affecting over a million refugees.
• 📄 Despite many holding refugee registration documents and Afghan identity cards, they face deportation.

Fears of Reprisals and Wider Crisis

• 😨 Former Afghan officials fear reprisals for serving in the previous government, with a risk of being killed if returned to Afghanistan.
• 👮 Refugees report being told by police to leave the park or risk being taken away, though police deny harassment.
• 🌍 This situation is part of a larger crisis, with nearly 700,000 Afghans also expelled from Iran, marking a significant refugee return crisis since the Taliban's 2021 takeover.