The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed serious concern over the Pakistani government's decision to de-notify several Afghan refugee camps and the forced return of their residents.

In a statement, the UNHCR said that the government of Pakistan recently de-notified 16“Refugee Villages” located in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Following the move, Afghan refugees living in these areas have been instructed to leave the country under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.

According to the UN agency, many of these refugees have lived in Pakistan for decades and have established livelihoods and communities. Their sudden return, it warned, could severely affect their economic stability and overall wellbeing.

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UNHCR Representative Philippa Candler emphasized that any return process must be“orderly, phased, dignified, and safe” to ensure full respect for the refugees' rights. She noted that Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for more than 45 years and that many individuals still face serious threats if they are forced to return to Afghanistan. Such people, she said, should be exempted from the repatriation plan.

The UNHCR expressed particular concern over the forced return of Afghan women and girls, warning that their right to education and employment could be jeopardized under current conditions in Afghanistan.

The agency urged the government of Pakistan to implement a phased and organized repatriation process and to exempt individuals who continue to require international protection from forced return.

It further called on Pakistani authorities to grant legal stay to Afghan nationals who are in the country for medical treatment, pursuing higher education, or are married to Pakistani citizens.

Reaffirming its commitment, the UNHCR said it will continue to work closely with the government of Pakistan to find balanced solutions that address Pakistan's concerns while adhering to international principles.

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