Following a significant data breach, an Afghan refugee risks deportation from Pakistan back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where he fears for his life as a former member of Afghan special forces. His son, living in fear of police action, has appealed for urgent assistance from UK authorities.
Urgent Plea for Afghan Refugees as Deportation Fears Rise in Pakistan
Urgent Plea for Afghan Refugees as Deportation Fears Rise in Pakistan
An Afghan man faces imminent deportation from Pakistan, raising fears for his and his family's safety due to a UK data breach revealing their identities.
An Afghan man, whose identity was inadvertently exposed in a UK data breach, is on the brink of deportation from Pakistan, raising grave concerns for his safety, according to his son. The family, which includes young children, has found itself ensnared in bureaucratic limbo after applying for relocation under the UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) following the Taliban's resurgence in August 2021.
With the Pakistani government clamping down on what it terms "illegal foreign nationals," the situation for refugees like them has become increasingly perilous. The man was part of the Triples, Afghan special forces known for their partnership with British troops, making their return to Afghanistan particularly dangerous. The Taliban's assurances of safety are viewed with skepticism, especially in light of a recent UN report questioning the government's amnesty for former military personnel.
While the family waited in Pakistan for resolution, officials came to detain them, prompting panic. Rayan, whose name has been altered for anonymity, recounted his frantic attempts to evade capture, hiding with his wife and infant son in a hotel. The anxiety has heightened as they await potential deportation, with Rayan's brother already in a holding camp, separated from children as young as eight months.
Despite having their case endorsed by the Ministry of Defence, Rayan expressed frustration over the lack of communication, stating, "We have just been waiting with no explanation." The family's plight is exacerbated by the data leak that exposed the information of nearly 19,000 Afghans seeking UK resettlement, leaving many feeling vulnerable.
Labour MP Calvin Bailey, who has worked with the Afghan Triples, voiced his concern, asserting that these individuals are owed protection due to their significant contributions. Pakistan's Interior Minister echoed the urgency, challenging the UK government about the delays in resettlement for those in need.
As of September 2023, Pakistan has initiated large-scale deportations under its "Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan," with over one million individuals, including many Afghans, reportedly sent back to Afghanistan. The ongoing crisis has sparked calls from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) urging the Pakistani government to ensure any returns are conducted safely and voluntarily, underscoring the precarious situation for Afghan refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries.
