Pakistan has warned that Afghan refugees not accepted for resettlement by the United States would be treated as illegal immigrants and face deportation. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that while Pakistan was open to negotiations with the US on the matter, refugees whose resettlement is denied would face deportation. Last month, US President Donald Trump passed an order suspending the US Refugee Admissions Program until the further entry of refugees aligns with their interests.
Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on Afghan refugees, arresting them under various pretexts. Fleeing from war and conflict in their country, migrants from Afghanistan have been taking refuge in Pakistan for decades now. With the Taliban returning to power in 2021, millions of Afghans migrated to Pakistan. In 2023, the situation of migrants deteriorated with Pakistani authorities engaging in abusive tactics and mass deportation.
