Afghan Man Detained in Pakistan Amid UK Data Breach: Urgent Plea for Protection
An Afghan man, whose identity was accidentally revealed in a significant data breach by the UK, has been detained in Pakistan, facing imminent deportation alongside several family members. His son, Rayan, shared these distressing details with the BBC, shedding light on their precarious situation.
Documents reviewed by the BBC confirm that the detained man was a member of the Afghan special forces, known as the Triples, who collaborated closely with British forces during their operations in Afghanistan. The looming threat of deportation arises as Pakistan intensifies its efforts to repatriate what it deems "illegal foreign nationals." Rayan expressed deep concern for his family’s safety, fearing that deportation to Afghanistan could lead to dire consequences due to his father’s association with the Triples.
While the Taliban government asserts that all Afghans can "live in the country without any fear," a recent UN report titled "No Safe Haven" challenges these assurances, highlighting the risks faced by those with ties to foreign forces.
The family initially sought refuge through the UK’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) shortly after the Taliban regained control in August 2021. Their application, which received support from the UK Ministry of Defence last year, is still pending as they await a resolution while residing in Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistani authorities recently intervened, leading to the family’s detention.
Rayan recounted a harrowing escape from the police, managing to hide in a hotel bathroom with his wife and infant son while several relatives were taken to a holding camp. He described the traumatic scene, stating, "Some of my family are just children; the youngest is only eight months old. We kept begging the police to spare them." He later received a call from his brother, who reported that they would soon be deported, adding to Rayan’s fears.
Since October 2024, the family has been in limbo, having submitted their biometrics but receiving no updates. "We have just been waiting with no explanation," Rayan lamented. "Now it feels too late."
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence stated that they do not comment on individual cases but reiterated their commitment to assisting eligible individuals who pass the necessary relocation checks. The family’s plight is further complicated by the leak of their personal information, which was part of a dataset affecting nearly 19,000 Afghans who sought resettlement in the UK.
Rayan is terrified that authorities will return to detain him, his wife, and their child, prompting him to reach out to the British High Commission in Islamabad for urgent assistance and a safer place to stay.
Calvin Bailey, a Labour MP and former RAF commander who worked with the Afghan Triples, expressed his dismay at the situation. He emphasized the moral obligation to support individuals like Rayan’s father, stating, "We owe a duty to help them and must ensure they receive more than the minimum protection."
Pakistan has historically welcomed Afghan refugees but has grown frustrated with the slow pace of resettlements to other countries. Interior Minister Talal Chaudry urged UK authorities to expedite the process, noting, "It’s already been years. Do you really think they will show leniency to Pakistani nationals overstaying in the UK?"
Since launching its "Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan" in September 2023, Pakistan has reportedly facilitated the return of over 1.1 million individuals to Afghanistan. Approximately three million Afghans currently reside in Pakistan, with half estimated to be undocumented.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has called upon Pakistan to ensure that any return of Afghans is voluntary, safe, and dignified. Amid increasing police raids and deportations, UNHCR has urged the Pakistani government to protect Afghans with ongoing international protection needs from involuntary return.
As the situation unfolds, Rayan and his family remain in a state of uncertainty, hoping for swift intervention and a safe resolution to their plight.
