The United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) has expressed serious worries about Pakistan’s mass deportation of Afghan refugees, including children, following the approval of the 2023 Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan. The Committee highlighted the lack of individual assessment of protection needs and risks of refoulement in this process.
In its recent evaluation of Pakistan’s compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Committee voiced alarm over the coercive tactics used by Pakistani authorities against Afghan nationals, including registered refugees, to compel them to go back to Afghanistan, despite the potential dangers of persecution, torture, or ill-treatment. The measures reportedly involve harassment, intimidation, threats of deportation, police abuse, extortion, raids, and arbitrary detention.
The Committee has called on Pakistani officials to reconsider or review the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, cautioning about the significant risks it poses to non-citizens, particularly Afghan individuals. Additionally, it has urged for a thorough investigation into allegations of police abuse against Afghan refugees, emphasizing the need for holding those responsible accountable through disciplinary or criminal actions.
