Pakistan has long been one of the world’s largest hosts of Afghan refugees — a reality shaped by decades of conflict and shared history. However, recent escalations in border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have triggered a wave of abusive police raids, arbitrary detentions and forced returns of Afghan refugees raising serious humanitarian and legal concerns. No one dismisses the pressures Pakistan faces: an economic crisis, border security challenges and strained public resources. These are legitimate concerns. However, forcibly returning refugees to a country where they may face persecution or worse risks violating Pakistan’s obligations under international law. A balanced response is possible. Pakistan can address security concerns without compromising its humanitarian commitments. The government should engage with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, explore sustainable, rights-respecting repatriation mechanisms and ensure that
families, especially children, are not left without access to healthcare and education during
this process.
Pakistan’s global standing depends not only on its economic indicators but also on how it treats the most vulnerable within its borders. Compassion and compliance with international law are not opposing forces. They can, and must, coexist.
Laiba Khalid
Rawalpindi
