THE deadline for ‘illegal immigrants’ to exit the country looms like the sword of Damocles.

Although Oct 31 is set as the last day for all undocumented foreigners to leave, it seems the government’s energies are focused on expelling the Afghans, whom the interior minister claims number around 1.73m.

The deadline was set earlier this month, with less than a 30-day window provided to them to leave. In this time, thousands have been rounded up, a lot of them in arbitrary crackdowns.

While the ‘welfare and security’ of the country were declared paramount when the decision was announced, the state must not lose sight of the fact that so many of these people are not just immigrants, but refugees, who escaped unimaginable horrors to seek shelter in a country that they felt had welcomed them for decades.

Evicting them so abruptly and so heartlessly not only puts them at risk of returning to hostile conditions, it is tantamount to washing away all the generosity shown to them in years past.

It is no wonder an Afghan cricketer in a post-match presentation dedicated his Player of the Match award to “people who were sent from Pakistan to back home [sic]”. His words are very telling, of how Pakistan’s actions are being viewed globally, particularly by Afghans.

Instead of a broad-brush approach during crackdowns, there must be a system in place to separate wanted individuals from ordinary people. Afghans, especially those fleeing persecution, have repeatedly raised concerns about harassment by police and officials. They bemoan their limbo: they have neither been registered in Pakistan nor had their visas renewed.

This is not to say Pakistan alone is responsible for their welfare, or failing them on that count. They have not received much international attention either. It is only now that reports have surfaced that 3,000 of those who assisted coalition troops will be relocated to UK this week.

The West, quick to mount pressure on Pakistan to not turn away refugees, would do well to remember it has a moral responsibility towards these people who are reeling from the fallout of the 2021 troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Although Pakistan has long struggled with a growing refugee population, one is forced to question if mass deportation is the best way to overcome the challenge. There are more compassionate approaches. For starters, the deadline must be pushed ahead to allow Afghans enough time to leave with dignity. They are owed at least that kindness.

Countries that promised relocation schemes must do their part and expedite the process. Most importantly, Pakistan must consider integrating refugees into our social and economic frameworks, giving them access to education and opportunities, and ensuring their rights are protected.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2023