Image above replicates a photo of our friends travelling on foot across the border to Pakistan from Afghanistan, 2021. With them, they carry their baby.
“Pakistan is deporting all Afghans from Islamabad and Rawalpindi back to Afghanistan. If they have applied for a visa to another country, they must have it by March 31st, or they will be deported.”
– Pakistan, Prime Minister’s Office
John is our Migration Agent and Pastoral Care leader for our Afghan brothers and sisters in Pakistan.
He receives desperate calls and messages daily from Afghan Christians facing severe threats, homelessness, sexual violence, hunger, arbitrary arrests, and deportation orders. This weekend, we again received an alarming message:
“Hello dear brother, I hope you are in good health.I think you are aware of the terrible situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Everyone is fleeing and relocating to save their lives and to avoid forced deportation back to Afghanistan. I, too, must relocate with other brothers and sisters of Christ.Please pray for the solution of the problems of us believers at risk in the full name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”2.Feb.2025
From our friend Ahmad, an Afghan Christian seeking refuge in Pakistan
WHY WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED
Philoi is currently supporting around 160 Afghan Christian families in Pakistan, and we know that thousands of other persecuted ethnic and religious minorities are also at risk.
These families face life-threatening dangers because of their faith, ethnicity, nationality, and political beliefs. Deportation would expose them to extreme persecution under both the Pakistani and Afghan regimes.
A DANGEROUS GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVE BY PAKISTAN
On January 29th, 2025, the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office issued a circular order demanding the immediate repatriation of those with:
- ACC cards (Afghan Citizen Cards) and
- POC Cards (Pakistan Origin Card) holders from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
ESCALATING TENSION AND FORCIBLY DISPLACED AFGHANS
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan continues to escalate, with cross-border attacks and violence involving groups like the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, attacks have been intensified, making the region even more dangerous for those being deported.
To read more about the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan 2021, click here.
“Just a couple of days ago, my son was arrested and interrogated for a day. He was only released after we paid a heavy bribe. There are extreme risks in Pakistan as Afghan refugees – the authorities have become increasingly aggressive, and the risk of arrests and deportation has grown by the start of 2025.”– Mina, 25.
UNHCR’S INACTION AND LIMITED PROTECTION
The UNHCR, in a statement on the 1st of February 2025, confirmed that even Afghan nationals with valid Proof of Registration cards (POR) must leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Sadly, this is not the first time Pakistan has forcibly deported refugees while the UNHCR failed to provide adequate protection.
It is deeply troubling that countries like Australia continue to rely on the UNHCR for refuge resettlement, despite its inability to safeguard persecuted minorities.
Resettlement is not a simple or viable solution immediately; over 44,000 Afghans in Pakistan are approved and await relocation to Western countries, and around 25,000 are hoping to be resettled in the U.S.
“Pakistan is serious about the deportation of refugees. I hope that the pressure of governments, human rights organizations and international organizations supporting refugees can influence the decision of the Pakistan government, and prevent the deportation of refugees.”– Ali, 34.
According to Pakistan’s Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, there are 1.4 million registered Afghans and 700,000 unregistered Afghans in the country.
How you can help
These families remaining in Pakistan urgently need life-saving support. Your help can provide emergency relocation support to find shelter and food for families at risk.
Please act now – your support can save lives. Help us stand with our Afghan Christian brothers and sisters in their time of desperate need. Together, we can be the hands and feet of hope, providing protection and a future for those facing unimaginable danger.
“We are staying at home and not going outside unless it is absolutely necessary.The Pakistani police conduct house-to-house searches often. We are terrified they will find our Bibles.All Afghans are going to be deported to Afghanistan. I don’t know what to do. If we return, we will be killed, or me and my sister will be forced to marry the Taliban members. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to think.”– Alma, 23.
We are providing life-saving relief through accommodation support and food aid. Your tax-deductible donation can bring hope and stability to our persecuted and displaced brothers and sisters.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and are committed to using your donation effectively to make a lasting impact. Together, we can be a source of hope where it’s needed most.