IANS ISLAMABAD

US President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending the refugee program has cast uncertainty over the future of thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan. These individuals fled Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and have waited years to resettle in the United States.

The US refugee programme, which aimed to resettle over 25,000 Afghan nationals from Pakistan, was abruptly halted by Trump on his first day in office. The agreement between Pakistan and the Biden administration had initially planned for these Afghans—many of whom served with the US military and contractors before the Taliban's 2021 takeover—to move to the US through initiatives like the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and the US Refugee Admission Program (USRAP).

However, the process had already faced delays for over three years. “This executive order has disrupted the entire process,” said strategic analyst Kamran Yousaf. Reports indicate that visas for at least 1,660 Afghans cleared for US resettlement have been suspended, forcing them to remain in Pakistan. This decision leaves Afghan nationals vulnerable.

Many fear deportation to Afghanistan, where they risk arrest or execution by the Taliban, who oppose those who worked with US forces. Chairman Syed Liaqat Banori of the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid (SHARP) highlighted the challenges: “These Afghans face severe threats in Afghanistan and uncertainty in Pakistan, which is already repatriating undocumented Afghans.”

The Pakistan government has voiced concerns over the sudden move. “We anticipated scrutiny under Trump’s administration, but the abruptness of this action is surprising,” an official noted. The suspension has left thousands of lives in limbo, deepening the humanitarian crisis.