Pakistan's Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Policy: Implications for Gender Security in the Context of SDG 5

Abstract

Pakistan has been host to an estimated four million Afghan refugees for over four decades. However, in the wake of rising terrorism in the country, Pakistan announced the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) to address its security challenges. This study, nevertheless argues that the IFRP lacks a gender-sensitive approach. The plan, which disproportionately affects Afghan women refugees, contradicts with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which advocates for gender equality and women's rights. This study critically examines the implications of IFRP on Afghan refugee women, who face increased vulnerabilities upon forced repatriation. It employs the Feminist Security Studies (FSS) framework, to highlight gendered experiences of conflict and displacement faced by Afghan women refugees. Using a qualitative case study methodology, the research draws on interviews with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Pak-Afghan Youth Forum, Afghan female refugees, and women’s rights organizations. Secondary sources, including government reports, UNHCR data, and media publications, have also been utilized. The major findings arising from the study highlight the implications of IFRP for Afghan Women refugees who are likely to face gender-based violence, poverty, and social isolation upon return. Furthermore, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for them remain severely limited under the repressive Taliban regime. As Pakistan seeks to adopt a balanced approach that preserves its national security while upholding humanitarian principles, it needs to reassess its repatriation plan by integrating gender-sensitive policies that protect vulnerable Afghan women and align with international human rights standards.