This stark deadline was etched into the calendar earlier this month, leaving scarcely a 30-day window of opportunity for these individuals to make their departure. In this fleeting span, thousands have been apprehended, with many ensnared in arbitrary, unforgiving crackdowns. The government, in its pronouncements, has emphasized the paramount significance of the ‘welfare and security’ of our homeland, but we must not overlook the fact that a substantial portion of these individuals are not mere migrants; they are refugees. They have escaped unspeakable horrors in their homeland, seeking sanctuary in a country that had opened its doors to them for decades.

The sudden, unfeeling eviction of these refugees does more than just expose them to the risk of returning to perilous conditions; it erases the tapestry of generosity that has been woven over the years. It is no surprise that an Afghan cricketer, during a post-match presentation, dedicated his Player of the Match award to the people who were sent from Pakistan to their homeland His words serve as a poignant reminder of how Pakistan’s actions are viewed on the global stage, particularly through the eyes of our Afghan brethren.

Rather than embracing a uniform approach during crackdowns, we should establish a comprehensive system that distinguishes between those of interest and ordinary, innocent civilians. Afghans, especially those escaping persecution, have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the harassment they face at the hands of law enforcement and government authorities. They find themselves in a state of limbo, neither properly registered in Pakistan nor granted visa renewals.

This is not an attempt to absolve Pakistan of its responsibility for the well-being of these individuals or suggest that we have failed in this regard. The international community, too, has regrettably not given their plight the attention it deserves. It is only now that we hear reports of 3,000 of those who aided coalition troops being offered resettlement in the UK this week.

The Western world, which is swift to exert pressure on Pakistan not to turn away refugees, must remember its moral obligation to these individuals who find themselves grappling with the fallout from the 2021 troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. While Pakistan has long grappled with a growing refugee population, we must earnestly question whether mass deportation is the most humane and equitable solution to this complex challenge. There exist kinder, more practical alternatives.

Afghan nationals must heed the call and depart Pakistan within the stipulated timeframe, lest they face the prospect of a comprehensive governmental response. To introduce a more humane dimension to this situation, extending the deadline is not just an option; it is a necessity. This extension would provide Afghans with a reasonable amount of time to part with their dignity intact, a gesture of kindness that is the least we can extend. Furthermore, the countries that have pledged to implement relocation schemes must act on their commitments promptly. Above all, Pakistan must earnestly explore ways to seamlessly integrate these refugees into our social and economic fabric. This entails granting them access to education and economic opportunities while diligently safeguarding their rights and well-being. Striking the delicate balance between our national interests and our humanitarian responsibilities is imperative as we navigate this intricate issue.