Afghan Women Activists Face Deportation from Pakistan Amid Taliban Threats

PKPakistan|

Over 50 prominent Afghan women’s rights activists residing in Pakistan are at risk of deportation, facing potential imprisonment or death if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The Pakistan government has pledged to deport millions of Afghan nationals as relations deteriorate and militant attacks rise, labeling them as "terrorists" and "traitors" (The Guardian, 2025).

Since September 2023, Pakistani authorities have forcibly returned at least 844,499 Afghans, according to Amnesty International, raising serious concerns about their safety. Among those currently in hiding are activists like Humaira Alim, who fled Afghanistan after receiving death threats for her advocacy work. “If they send me back to Afghanistan, it only means death,” Alim stated, fearing Taliban retaliation.

This mass deportation has been condemned by human rights groups, including Avaaz, which described the action as a “death sentence” for these individuals. The Pakistani government has set a deadline of March 31 for undocumented Afghans to leave the country or face arrest, prompting activists to seek asylum in third countries for their safety.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Pakistan

Massive Escape from Karachi Jail Amid Earthquake Chaos

In a dramatic incident on June 3, 2025, 216 inmates escaped from Karachi’s District Jail Malir, also known as “Bacha Jail,” following a series of low-intensity earthquakes. The tremors, measuring between 3.2 and 3.6 in magnitude, caused structural damage to the prison, facilitating the mass breakout. According to eyewitnesses, panic ensued as prisoners overpowered guards and exploited wall breaches created by the earthquakes. Reports indicate that heavy gunfire erupted during the chaos, resulting in injuries to three Frontier Corps personnel and a jail guard, while one inmate was killed. Authorities, including SSP Malir Kashif Aftab Abbasi, quickly cordoned off areas surrounding the prison and initiated a manhunt. As of now, 80 of the fugitives have been recaptured, but 135 remain at large. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding prison security and disaster preparedness in Pakistan. Officials from the Sindh Rangers visited the jail to assess and enhance security protocols following the breakout. The escaped inmates predominantly include drug offenders, posing challenges for recapture due to Karachi's dense urban environment.
PKPakistan

Pakistani Influencer Sana Yousaf Shot Dead Following Repeated Rejections

Pakistani social media influencer Sana Yousaf, 17, was tragically shot dead at her home in Islamabad on June 2, allegedly by Umar Hayat, 22, who had been persistently rejected by her, according to local police. The incident occurred in front of Yousaf’s mother and aunt when Hayat forcibly entered the residence and shot her at point-blank range, striking her twice in the chest. Authorities stated that Hayat had tried to establish a friendship with Yousaf, making repeated attempts to contact her. Islamabad Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi described Hayat as a "cold-blooded murderer" who ultimately resorted to violence after being rebuffed multiple times. Following the shooting, investigators recovered Yousaf's mobile phone, which Hayat allegedly attempted to take to eliminate evidence. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Hayat confessed to the crime, and the murder weapon has been located. The case highlights serious concerns regarding issues of violence against women and the implications of rejection in relationships.
PKPakistan

Massive Prison Break in Karachi as 216 Inmates Escape Amid Earthquake Chaos

In a dramatic incident on June 3, 2025, 216 inmates escaped from Karachi's District Jail Malir, known as "Bacha Jail," following multiple earthquakes that hit the region. The tremors, registering magnitudes between 3.2 and 3.6, caused structural damage to the prison, which officials stated allowed the prisoners to exploit cracks in the walls to flee. Eyewitness reports noted heavy gunfire during the chaos, as fleeing inmates overpowered guards and seized weapons. Authorities reacted by sealing off nearby roads, including the National Highway. According to SSP Malir Kashif Aftab Abbasi, police and paramilitary forces quickly initiated a manhunt; by evening, 80 escapees had been recaptured, leaving 135 still at large. The escape has drawn attention to significant failures in Pakistan’s prison security and disaster preparedness, prompting investigations led by senior officials, including DIG Jail Hassan Sahetu. Local mosques broadcasted calls for community assistance in recapturing the fugitives, many of whom are reportedly involved in drug-related offenses. This alarming event emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reform within Pakistan's correctional facilities.
PKPakistan