<h1>Rights Group Urges Pakistan to Stop Deporting Afghan Refugees Facing Taliban Persecution and Economic Hardships</h1> A prominent rights group has reported that Pakistan is increasing pressure on Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan, where they face persecution by the Taliban and severe economic challenges. Human Rights Watch has urged Pakistan to halt forced expulsions and allow Afghans to seek protection. Pakistan has set a March 31 deadline for deporting undocumented foreigners, primarily targeting Afghans. Over 500,000 Afghans have been living in Pakistan without documentation since the Taliban's 2021 takeover. The situation is exacerbated by the suspension of U.S. refugee programs, leaving many Afghans in limbo. Human rights conditions in Afghanistan remain dire, particularly for women and girls.