An Afghan man detained in Pakistan, whose personal information was inadvertently leaked by the UK government, is facing imminent deportation alongside several family members. His son, known as Rayan for safety reasons, alerted the BBC about their dire situation, fearing for their lives if sent back to Afghanistan. The documentation reviewed by the BBC indicates that the man was a part of the Afghan special forces unit known as the Triples, which partnered with British troops during the conflict.
This current crisis unfolds amid Pakistan’s ongoing initiative to repatriate what they consider "illegal foreign nationals," a policy that significantly impacts Afghan refugees. Rayan voiced urgent concerns, saying that his family’s lives would be at risk upon return to Afghanistan due to the father's association with foreign military forces. Although the Taliban claims that all Afghans can exist in peace within the country, a recent UN report titled "No safe haven" suggests otherwise, highlighting the serious risks facing those connected to international forces.
The family applied to the UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which was established to protect Afghans who aided UK operations, immediately following the Taliban ascension in August 2021. While waiting for a decision —which was endorsed by the UK's Ministry of Defence— the family was unexpectedly detained by Pakistani authorities.
Rayan described a recent harrowing event where he narrowly escaped detainment by hiding with his wife and baby son while several relatives were taken to a holding facility. Amidst falling into despair, Rayan has urged officials for protection, fearing for the safety of his relatives, including young children, in a scene of chaos at the detention site.
"The waiting has been unbearable; all we hear is to wait, but now it feels too late," Rayan expressed. With no updates post biometric registration in October 2024, his family's anxiety only grows. UK authorities have refrained from commenting on individual cases, but a spokesperson affirmed their commitment to ensuring safe relocation for eligible persons.
The leak of their sensitive information has raised alarm within the family and the broader community of around 19,000 Afghans who applied for UK resettlement, adding to the uncertainties around their safety.
Calvin Bailey, a Labour MP with a history of working with the Triples, publicly voiced his concern over the family's plight, stating that it's an obligation for the UK to provide them with proper protection. He expressed hope for the British High Commission’s involvement in resolving the family’s crisis behind the scenes.
In the context of Pakistani government's history with Afghan refugees, officials are growing impatient with protracted resettlement delays. The Interior Minister called on UK authorities to expedite processing the applications, highlighting that as time passes, chances for leniency are waning.
Since the launch of Pakistan's "Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan" in late 2023, more than 1 million individuals have returned to Afghanistan, most of whom are Afghans. The UN has advocated for safe and voluntary repatriation processes, urging Pakistan to exempt individuals with significant international protection needs from forced returns.
As fear continues to grip the Afghan refugee community, calls for urgent action and support grow louder.
