Balochistan High Court
QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has dismissed a petition challenging the deportation of Afghan refugees, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle regarding the status of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.
The petition, filed by Advocate Nusrat Hassan Afghani, sought court intervention to prevent authorities from harassing Proof of Registration (POR) cardholders or forcibly relocating them before the expiry of the time period indicated in a government notification issued on July 22, 2024.
The two-member bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Muhammad Ejaz Swati and Justice Muhammad Aamir Nawaz Rana, heard the case.
During the proceedings, Additional Attorney General Muhammad Fareed Dogar assured the court that government officials were fully complying with the notification and would act in accordance with the law to ensure the dignity and privacy of the refugees. He further reassured the court that there would be no harassment or unlawful actions taken against the petitioners.
The petitioners argued that the actions of the authorities were violating the refugees’ right to dignity and privacy, and they sought a court order to prevent forced relocation. However, the court decided to dispose of the petition, signaling that the matter would not be pursued further at this time.
It is worth noting that the federal cabinet had approved a one-year extension for the validity of the POR cards for 1.45 million Afghan refugees, which will remain valid until June 30, 2025.
This extension was aimed at providing relief to Afghan nationals living in Pakistan under the humanitarian program, and it follows previous efforts to regulate the status of Afghan refugees in the country.
Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his position on the matter, asserting that Afghan refugees would not be forcibly removed or pushed to the border.
He emphasized that the government should understand the reasons behind the refugees resorting to arms, stating, “We have to own them.” He reiterated that the provincial government would not send Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan without the consent of the Afghan government.
Gandapur’s comments indicate a more compassionate approach, as he pointed out that sending refugees back could only occur if the Afghan government was willing to accept them.
He further stressed that the KP government would not compel refugees to return, emphasizing the need for dialogue and negotiation with Afghanistan to address the issue.
This ongoing debate highlights the complexities surrounding the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, with varying opinions at the government level on how to handle the situation.
While the BHC has disposed of the petition, the issue remains sensitive, especially as Pakistan seeks to balance national security concerns with humanitarian obligations.
