ISLAMABAD — Afghan women’s rights activists living in Pakistan are grappling with an uncertain future as the Pakistani government intensifies its efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghan migrants.

Amina, an activist who has spent over a decade advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan, now resides in a cramped apartment in Islamabad.

She fled her home country following the Taliban takeover in 2021, during which time she faced threats and harassment for her activism against forced marriages and violence targeting civilians.

Pakistan has issued a deadline of March 31 for Afghan Citizen Card holders and other undocumented refugees to leave the country, contributing to fears that over a million Afghans may be forcibly repatriated to a nation already experiencing severe humanitarian challenges.

The United Nations warns that this policy could exacerbate the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, where economic instability, human rights violations, and food insecurity persist.

Pakistan has historically provided refuge to millions of Afghans fleeing conflict or persecution, yet the government’s stance appears to be shifting amidst internal pressures.

Since September 2023, over 722,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, with thousands deported by Pakistani authorities.

The Pakistan Interior Ministry insists that its repatriation program is being conducted in accordance with the law, promising no mistreatment during the process.

Amina, who applied for resettlement in Australia but was rejected, described the immediate threats she faces upon returning to Afghanistan.

Since her flee, she has attempted to continue her advocacy and open a school for refugees but now faces uncertainty as her temporary residence in Pakistan is set to expire.

Compounding the situation is the reduction in funding for humanitarian organizations operating in Afghanistan.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has indicated that resource cuts mean they are forced to scale back services just as the needs increase, with an estimated 22 million Afghans requiring assistance.

On the ground, as many as 1.6 million more Afghans could be pushed back into Afghanistan, where they would face dire conditions including the risk of violence from unexploded ordnance, economic hardship, and lack of access to education, especially for girls.

The Taliban's recent bans on education and work for women have further aggravated the situation, raising alarms among human rights groups.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Islamabad has noted that many undocumented Afghans, such as Ramil—a fellow women's rights activist who fled two years ago—are in urgent need of international protection.

Threats of violence, including gang rape, have prompted many activists to seek refuge in Pakistan, where they now live in fear of police raids and deportation.

Amid these challenges, Pakistan’s leadership argues that it can no longer shoulder the burden of the large Afghan refugee population, citing economic strain as a driving factor.

Analysts, however, question this narrative, with some suggesting that the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need to address security concerns, particularly regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), may be influencing Islamabad’s decision-making.

As diplomatic relationships fluctuate, the plight of Afghan refugees continues.

The international community appears to be diminishing its focus on Afghanistan, with significant aid cuts from major donor countries further reducing support for the Afghan people.

Recently, Australia announced additional funding for health services aimed at Afghan women, yet aid organizations assert that significantly more will be required to address the ongoing crisis in the region.