Six Killed After Roof Collapses at Afghan Refugee Camp in Karachi

The tragically Roof Collapses at Afghan Refugee Camp in Karachi has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including women and children. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday at Janjal Goth Afghan Camp in the Gulshan-e-Maymar area, has once again highlighted the precarious living conditions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

As authorities investigate the cause of the collapse, the broader issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is coming under increased scrutiny, particularly in light of the government’s ongoing repatriation program.

The Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath

The roof collapse at the Afghan camp in Karachi was a devastating event that claimed the lives of six people and left four others injured. The affected family, originally from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu, was among the many Afghan refugees residing in makeshift shelters in Pakistan.

The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but poor construction materials and overcrowded living conditions are suspected to have played a significant role. In many refugee camps across Pakistan, inadequate infrastructure makes homes vulnerable to natural disasters and structural failures, posing constant risks to residents.

Emergency responders were quick to reach the site and provide medical aid to the injured. However, the lack of proper medical facilities within the camp meant that critical patients had to be transported to hospitals in Karachi.

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The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of refugee settlements and the government’s responsibility in ensuring their well-being. Many residents of the camp have expressed their frustration over the lack of proper housing and the persistent neglect by authorities in addressing their living conditions.

Pakistan’s Repatriation Policy and Its Impact on Afghan Refugees

The tragedy at the Afghan camp comes at a time when Pakistan is accelerating its efforts to repatriate Afghan refugees. The Pakistani government has announced that Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders must leave the country by March 31, 2025.

The policy is part of the broader Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP), which began on November 1, 2023. Under this program, more than 80,000 Afghans have already been deported, with the government estimating that around 3 million Afghan refugees still reside in the country.

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The decision to expel ACC holders marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s refugee policy. Previously, many Afghan refugees were allowed to stay in Pakistan under temporary permits, but with the new directive, even those with legal documentation are being asked to leave.

The Pakistani government has defended its decision by stating that ample time has been given to Afghan refugees for their dignified return. Officials have also assured that the repatriation process will be conducted humanely, with provisions for food and healthcare for returning refugees.

However, human rights organizations and refugee advocacy groups have criticized the move, arguing that forcing Afghan refugees to return could place them in dangerous conditions. Afghanistan is still grappling with economic instability and security concerns, particularly following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.

Many Afghan refugees fear persecution, lack of employment opportunities, and inadequate social services if they return to their homeland. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision and ensure that repatriation is carried out in accordance with international human rights standards.

The Future of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

The plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan remains a contentious issue with no easy resolution. For decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, many of whom fled their country due to wars, conflicts, and political instability.

While Pakistan has been praised for its hospitality, the situation has become increasingly strained due to economic pressures and security concerns. The Pakistani government has repeatedly cited resource constraints and national security risks as reasons for its strict repatriation policy.

For Afghan refugees, the future is uncertain. Many have lived in Pakistan for generations and have built their lives there, making the prospect of forced repatriation deeply unsettling.

Children who have grown up in Pakistan may have little connection to their ancestral homeland, and the sudden displacement could disrupt their education and social stability.

Additionally, Afghan women and girls, who face severe restrictions under the Taliban regime, are particularly vulnerable and risk losing access to education and employment opportunities if they are forced to return.

The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing this crisis. Countries with the capacity to resettle refugees should consider providing alternative pathways for Afghan refugees who cannot safely return to Afghanistan.

The United Nations and regional organizations must also work with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to create sustainable solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of displaced individuals. More humanitarian assistance is needed to support Afghan refugees in Pakistan, particularly in providing adequate housing, healthcare, and education.

The tragic loss of lives in the Karachi roof collapse underscores the urgent need for better living conditions and protection for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. As Pakistan moves forward with its repatriation policy, it must balance national security concerns with humanitarian considerations.

The international community must also step up efforts to support Afghan refugees and find long-term solutions that uphold human rights and dignity. Until then, the fate of millions of Afghan refugees remains uncertain, with many caught between an unwelcoming host country and an unstable homeland.