Afghan Allies in Pakistan Urge U.S. to Resume Evacuations Amid Expulsion Fears

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source: AFP

A coalition of Afghan case holders living in Pakistan has issued a formal plea for renewed evacuation efforts by the United States, following the abrupt suspension of all Afghan immigration processing by the U.S. administration after a deadly attack near the White House. The group, comprising individuals with completed P1 and P2 asylum cases, expressed deep concern that their flights had been scheduled prior to the suspension on January 20, 2025, and voiced fears about renewed persecutions if forced to return.

The statement reiterates the hardship endured over more than three years, including living under precarious conditions in Pakistan, while condemning the Washington incident that prompted the policy pause. It emphasizes that individual crimes do not reflect on entire communities and urges adherence to the principle of justice for allies who supported the United States at significant personal risk.

The advocacy comes amid deteriorating bilateral ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a consequence of terrorist activity emanating from Afghan soil. The authors accuse authorities in Pakistan of arresting and deporting Afghan nationals, including those with verified documents and allied status with the U.S. They warn that return to Afghanistan could expose them to Taliban retribution, highlighting the urgency of their plea for protection and evacuation.

The group also points to the perception that even official communications from the U.S. Embassy offer limited protection, intensifying the risk for those awaiting relocation. They call on the United States to reaffirm commitments, safeguard allies, and restart evacuations to prevent further loss of life.

In related developments, UN refugee officials have urged Pakistan to exempt Afghans with specific protection needs from repatriation plans, allowing them to remain in safety. The UNHCR notes the ongoing influx of Afghans returning from Pakistan to Afghanistan in 2025, a development that underscores the complex humanitarian dynamics surrounding displacement and international protection.