The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, is calling for Pakistan to halt the forcible return of Afghan refugees holding proof of registration (PoR) cards, Spokesperson Babor Baloch said on Tuesday in Geneva.
He expressed particular concern over the plight of women and girls sent back to Afghanistan, which has been under Taliban rule for four years.
On 31 July, Pakistan confirmed that Afghan refugees would be deported under an ongoing 'Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan'.
UNHCR has received reports of arrests and detention of Afghans across the country, including PoR cardholders.
Violation of non-return principle
"We acknowledge and appreciate Pakistan's generosity in hosting refugees for over 40 years amid its own challenges," said Mr. Baloch.
"However, given that those holding PoR cards have been recognized as refugees for decades, their forced return is contrary to Pakistan's long-standing humanitarian approach to this group and would constitute a violation of the principle of non-refoulement."
The situation is unfolding amid a mass return of Afghans from neighbouring countries, including Iran.
This year, over 2.1 million have already returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan, including 352,000 from Pakistan.
Listen to our interview with Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, on returnees coming from Iran.
