UK rushes to rescue Afghan refugees trapped in Pakistan amid visa deadlines and arrest threats

UK government finds itself in a race against time as it mobilises to evacuate thousands of Afghans stranded in Pakistan. Originally granted sanctuary in Britain for ir service alongside coalition forces in Kabul, se individuals face threat of arrest in Pakistan due to visa-related complications.

Amid a legal challenge from two Afghans stuck in Pakistan, UK's Independent disclosed a government U-turn. decision to halt government flights and require Afghans to arrange ir own accommodation was overturned, highlighting pressing concerns for safety of those awaiting relocation.

Pakistan issued a stern warning to all immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghans, residing in country illegally. ultimatum, effective until November 1, threatens detention and deportation for those who fail to comply. Pakistan cited crimes, smuggling, and attacks involving Afghan nationals as reasons for this drastic measure.

Despite looming threat in Pakistan, UK government obtained assurances from Islamab that Afghans eligible for UK relocation will be safeguarded. This assurance is contingent on swift relocation of se individuals by UK politicians. Diplomatic efforts secure a commitment to continue chartered flights out of Islamab until December.

UK chartered flights agreed for Afghan evacuation

In a collaborative effort with Pakistan government, UK organised chartered flights to transfer approximately 3,000 refugees to safety in Britain. Ministers assured that all Afghans eligible for UK's resettlement schemes would have accommodations, even in hotels if necessary.

initial chartered flight, carrying around 200 Afghans, is set to depart from Islamab to UK on Thursday, marking beginning of evacuation process. A total of 12 chartered flights are scheduled to facilitate relocation of Afghan allies facing imminent challenges in Pakistan.

Around 3,000 individuals are awaiting transfer to UK in Islamab, with hundreds facing a similar situation in Iran, reported Kabul-based Khaama Press.

Recent incidents, including police raids on UK-funded hotels in Islamab and arrests of Afghans with expired visas, underscored challenges in evacuation process. British High Commission interventions became crucial in securing release of individuals facing visa-related complications.

A UK government spokesperson said: “ UK has me an ambitious and generous commitment to help at-risk people in Afghanistan and, so far, we have brought around 24,600 people to safety, including thousands of people eligible for our Afghan schemes."

“We continue to honour our commitments to bring eligible Afghans to UK, with new arrivals going directly into settled accommodation where possible," spokesperson ded.