An Afghan family residing in Pakistan is facing imminent deportation following a significant data breach by the UK, which exposed the identities of nearly 19,000 Afghan nationals seeking resettlement. The man, who served alongside British forces in Afghanistan, has been detained alongside his family members, raising fears for their safety should they be returned to Afghanistan where they could be targeted by the Taliban.
The son, identified as Rayan for privacy reasons, recounted the terrifying moments as his family was rounded up by police. He managed to evade capture by hiding with his wife and infant son, while other family members were taken to a holding facility. "I'm so scared they will suddenly be deported," Rayan shared, emphasizing the urgency of their plight given the risks associated with his father's association with British military efforts.
The family had been awaiting a response to their application under the UK’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which aims to protect those who worked with British authorities. Despite an endorsement from the Ministry of Defence for their relocation, Pakistani authorities intervened, detaining them amidst a broader campaign against "illegal foreign nationals." Rayan highlighted that the family has been in limbo since their biometrics were recorded in late 2024, with officials providing no clear answers regarding their relocation status.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence stated the government is committed to supporting eligible refugees, but refrained from commenting specifically on individual cases. This ambiguity only heightens anxiety for Rayan, who fears an impending round-up of his family.
British Labour MP Calvin Bailey, who has connections to the Afghan Triples, condemned the situation as profoundly concerning and called for urgent action to protect the detained family. He stressed the moral obligation to assist those who have risked their lives alongside British forces.
Pakistan, host to around three million Afghans, has initiated a repatriation plan that has already seen over a million individuals return to Afghanistan since its launch. Despite the Taliban's assurances of safety for returnees, recent UN reports challenge these claims, indicating that many face significant risks upon repatriation.
The United Nations Refugee Agency has urged the Pakistani government to ensure that any returns are voluntary and safe. Amidst a backdrop of reported police raids and deportations, the UN emphasizes the necessity for protections for vulnerable individuals, including the Afghan family facing potential violence upon repatriation.
