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Safia and Elham, Afghan ex-special forces, received Spanish approval for asylum but face imminent danger and bureaucratic obstacles in leaving Pakistan. Their fate hinges on overcoming corrupt practices and logistical challenges.
Safia Noori and Fakhruddin Elham, Afghan ex-special forces, are racing against time to leave Pakistan after Spain approved their asylum application, but they face mounting bureaucratic and logistical barriers that threaten their safety.
On March 25, the Spanish embassy in Islamabad approved Safia and Elham’s request for international protection, allowing them to travel to Spain. However, they must now navigate Pakistan’s complex and corrupt exit procedures, which include obtaining multiple permits and paying substantial bribes. The family previously paid $1,400 for a tourist visa deposit, which was now rendered irrelevant by Spain’s approval. They face additional costs and risks, including the possibility of arrest or deportation, as Pakistani authorities demand exit permits and fines for overstays. Their journey is further complicated by the ongoing regional conflicts, which have disrupted commercial flights and limited travel routes. The family’s situation remains precarious, with their future dependent on overcoming bureaucratic corruption and geopolitical tensions.
Why It Matters
This case exemplifies the extreme vulnerabilities faced by Afghan refugees who are caught in geopolitical conflicts and bureaucratic corruption. It highlights the risks of statelessness, including potential detention, deportation, and violence, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and reform in refugee processing.
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Background
Following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, many former Afghan military personnel, including Safia and Elham, fled to neighboring Pakistan. Their hopes for resettlement were dashed when U.S. promises of evacuation were broken under the Trump administration, and Pakistan began deporting Afghan refugees en masse. The family’s attempt to seek asylum in Spain was facilitated by international humanitarian efforts, but their escape from Pakistan is hindered by corrupt bureaucratic practices and regional conflicts, including the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan war and disruptions caused by regional military actions.
“This situation is about bribery, and I know that once they receive the money, they usually complete the work. But I do not trust the government of Pakistan at all.”
— Safia Noori
“Driving through Islamabad to register Yusuf was a day of wandering, showing how people take advantage of our suffering.”
— Elham
“The family’s approval by Spain was a critical step, but their safety now depends on overcoming a web of corruption and logistical hurdles.”
— Foreign diplomat involved
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear whether Safia and Elham will successfully obtain the necessary exit permits and bribe payments in time to leave Pakistan before potential arrest or deportation. The final logistical steps and regional security developments remain uncertain, and their exact travel date is not confirmed.
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What’s Next
The family is expected to attempt to secure the exit permits and bribe payments in the coming days. Their next milestone depends on whether Pakistani authorities process their permits without further delays or interference. International humanitarian groups are monitoring their case closely, advocating for safe passage.
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Key Questions
What are the main obstacles Safia and Elham face in leaving Pakistan?
The primary obstacles include bureaucratic corruption, the need for multiple permits and bribes, regional security disruptions, and the risk of arrest or deportation by Pakistani authorities.
Why is their escape so urgent?
The family faces imminent danger from Pakistani authorities and the threat of deportation back to Afghanistan, where they risk persecution or death due to their military service and opposition to the Taliban.
What role did Spain play in their case?
Spain approved their asylum request on March 25, providing them with international protection, but the approval does not automatically guarantee safe passage out of Pakistan.
What happens if they cannot leave Pakistan in time?
If they cannot leave soon, they risk detention, deportation, or violence, with their future remaining uncertain amid ongoing regional conflicts and bureaucratic corruption.
Are there other families in similar situations?
Yes, many Afghan refugees in Pakistan face similar challenges, caught in a complex web of geopolitics, bureaucratic corruption, and regional conflicts that threaten their safety and future.
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