PHC halts deportation of Afghans

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday restrained authorities from harassing or deporting Afghan nationals who are facing expulsion from Pakistan and have sought protection against the non-issuance of POR (Proof of Registration) cards and other Pakistani documents.

A division bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Fahim Wali heard separate petitions filed by Afghan citizens. During the proceedings, their counsel, Saifullah Mohib, informed the court that the petitioners had previously served in various capacities in Afghanistan and are currently awaiting relocation to third countries under international programmes.

The lawyer argued that due to the ongoing large-scale crackdown against Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the petitioners face the imminent risk of arrest and forced deportation to Afghanistan. He pointed out that even individuals holding valid and lawful visas are being targeted by law enforcement agencies.

"Sending them back forcibly to Afghanistan could expose them to grave threats to their lives," the counsel submitted, urging the court to ensure the protection of their fundamental rights.

After hearing the arguments, the court ordered the concerned authorities to refrain from harassing the petitioners and directed that they shall not be deported to Afghanistan under any circumstances.

In a separate case, another bench of PHC also halted the deportation of an Afghan citizen on the basis of his marriage.

On a petition moved by advocate Sana Gulzar, the court directed NADRA to complete the process for issuance of a POC (Proof of Citizenship) card to the petitioner within six months. The court ruled that the Afghan national shall remain protected until the process is finalized.

Justice Inamullah issued a written order in this regard. While disposing of the petition, the court also directed the petitioner to approach NADRA for the issuance of a POR card.

The orders are expected to provide temporary relief to several Afghan nationals currently living under the threat of deportation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.