The Afghan Women’s Freedom Torch Movement has expressed concern over the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, saying that arrests and the threat of deportation have put thousands of Afghan lives at risk. In a statement, the group urged the Pakistani government to end policies of detention and deportation and to protect refugees’ rights while respecting their human dignity. The movement also called on the United Nations to take immediate and effective action to prevent the forced return of Afghan refugees, accusing the international community of remaining silent over their situation. It said many Afghan refugees had fled war, threats and persecution, but are now facing the risk of arrest and forced deportation in Pakistan. The concerns come as deportations of Afghan refugees from Pakistan have intensified in recent days. According to figures from the Taliban-run Commission for Addressing Migrant Issues, more than 3,000 Afghans are being deported from Pakistan each day.
