Afghan Refugee Fears for Family’s Safety Amid Imminent Deportation from Pakistan

An Afghan family detained in Pakistan faces potential deportation back to Afghanistan, where they fear for their lives due to the father's involvement with British forces. With little hope for protection, their safety hangs in the balance as the UK government grapples with the aftermath of a significant data breach.

An Afghan man, detained in Pakistan alongside his family amidst an imminent deportation threat, expressed deep concerns for their safety following a data breach that disclosed his details. The son, who spoke to the BBC under a pseudonym for security reasons, revealed that the man had served in Afghan special forces units known as the Triples, who worked closely with British military forces.

The family's situation has turned critical as Pakistan intensifies efforts to repatriate what they deem "illegal foreign nationals." The son articulated his fear that deportation back to Afghanistan would likely lead to his family's death, citing his father's former association with UK military operations. Despite the Taliban's claims of a safe environment for returnees, a recent UN report raises serious doubts about the authenticity of these assurances regarding amnesty.

The family had sought assistance through the UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) shortly after the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Having received a nod of approval from the Ministry of Defence the previous year, they were anxiously waiting in Pakistan for relocation. However, their hopes were dashed when they were apprehended by local authorities.

Rayan, the son, recounted how he narrowly escaped capture by hiding in a hotel bathroom with his wife and infant son, while multiple family members were taken to a holding facility. Disturbingly, his brother reported that they were informed of their pending deportation while confined with numerous others in poor conditions.

The family has been in limbo since October 2022, and their applications for relocation remain unresolved, immersing them in uncertainty and fear. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson reiterated the commitment to eligible individuals needing relocation but offered no direct comment on their case.

The leak of personal information, affecting nearly 19,000 Afghans who had applied to resettle in the UK, has intensified concerns among impacted families over their safety. Rayan, fearing further police interventions, has implored the British High Commission in Islamabad for reprieve and protection.

Calvin Bailey, MP and former RAF commander who has worked with the Afghan Triples, described the family’s predicament as “incredibly upsetting,” emphasizing the duty to support those who served alongside British forces.

Pakistan has a historical background of hosting Afghan refugees, but frustration persists regarding the pace of relocation efforts. The country’s Interior Minister chastised UK authorities for the delays, questioning the prospects of leniency for Pakistani nationals overstaying abroad.

Since launching its deportation strategy in September 2023, over one million individuals have returned to Afghanistan, with the UN noting that thousands are unregistered. The UN Refugee Agency has called for voluntary and safe repatriation measures, urging the government to safeguard those needing protection from forced returns.

As the situation unfolds, uncertainties loom over the future of Afghan refugees caught in geopolitical crosshairs, highlighting a dire need for urgent intervention and support.