Hundreds of Afghan refugees in Islamabad are now living in public parks after being evicted from their homes. Most of them belong to the Hazara community and had lived in Pakistan for years.
The evictions are part of a wider crackdown on undocumented foreigners. The government has ordered all illegal residents to leave Pakistan by September 1, 2025. However, many affected refugees say they have valid documents but were still forced to move.
Now, they are struggling in open spaces with no proper shelter, food, or healthcare. Heavy rains have worsened their situation. Children and elderly people are falling ill, and hygiene is becoming a serious concern. Refugees fear deportation to Afghanistan, where they face danger and uncertainty.
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has urged Pakistan to stop the deportations. According to the agency, many of the people being removed are registered refugees or asylum seekers who should be protected. Human rights groups have also voiced alarm over the evictions, especially given the poor weather conditions.
The Pakistani government defends the policy, stating it is necessary for national security. Officials claim that only those without valid papers are being targeted. However, many families say they were not even given a chance to prove their status.
The situation in Islamabad is drawing attention. Families are sleeping on the ground under plastic sheets. There are no toilets, and basic necessities are missing. Some refugees in Islamabad say they were forced out suddenly, without time to gather their belongings.
With just days left until the deadline, pressure is rising on Pakistan to halt the evictions and offer relief to those already displaced. So far, there has been no change in policy from the government.
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