Key Takeaways
- HRCP condemns decision to rusticate Afghan students in medical and dental colleges.
- Around 100 Afghan students, including 20 to 40 women, could be affected in Lahore.
- HRCP urges government to uphold non-refoulement principle and suspend repatriation orders.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the decision to repatriate Afghan students enrolled in medical and dental colleges in Pakistan, warning that the move could lead to a humanitarian crisis.
According to HRCP, approximately 100 Afghan students, including an estimated 20 to 40 women, could be affected in Lahore alone.
The commission stated that the decision, along with the reported bar on new admissions for Afghan students, poses a significant risk to the education, safety, and future of young Afghans.
HRCP reported that some students have approached the commission seeking legal and institutional support, as well as safe shelter.
The rights body urged the government to immediately uphold the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forced return of individuals to a country where they face a serious risk of persecution or other grave harm.
HRCP acknowledged Pakistan’s security concerns and strained relations with Afghanistan but emphasized that these could not justify collectively punishing students who were pursuing their education in Pakistan.
The commission demanded that the repatriation orders be suspended immediately and that the enrolment of affected students be restored.
HRCP also called for arrangements to be made for students requiring protection and shelter.
