Dear you,

These images show the harsh and humiliating treatment Afghan women face at the hands of Pakistani police during forced deportations. Despite seeking safety, dignity, and freedom, our sisters are being dragged from cars, shouted at, and rounded up like criminals. This is not how guests, women, or human beings should be treated—especially not by a country that calls itself a neighbor in faith and geography.

 This is why we raise our voices: to demand protection, to stop these inhumane deportations, and to call on the international community to step in. Every image tells a story of fear and injustice. Let us not look away.

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The days before have been relatively quiet, though the threat has not gone away and started anew.

There have been police house searches, but thankfully, everyone in our group has managed to stay safe. Many went into hiding with the help of Pakistani friends, taking long taxi rides into the countryside to avoid being picked up. Most people are now sheltering at home, not daring to go outside.

Life is hard and very small.

Only those with valid visas dare to leave the house. Some —often husbands with a university bachelor's or Master's degree— are pushing carts to earn 1,000 Pakistani rupees a day—barely enough for one meal. Inside, the children are bored. Board games have become a daily routine, a small comfort in these difficult days.

One of the families in hiding is that of Shakila (name changed for protection), a civil society activist, human rights defender, and former Public Relations Advisor with the Free and Fair Election Forum of Afghanistan. For over a decade, she stood up for democracy and human rights. Her outspoken work made her a target for the Taliban, leading to arrest, detention, and relentless threats. Her husband, an advocate for women's rights, was also silenced by fear. Their three children, Abdul Rab, Abdul Waris, and Taiba, have seen their lives upended—pulled from school and pushed into hiding. After being deported back to Afghanistan on March 22 by Pakistani police, they again fled to Pakistan, where they now survive in hiding. Their dream is to reach Brazil, continue their education, and contribute peacefully to society.

We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe while we wait for safe pathways to open up. We’ve reached out repeatedly to UNHCR and IOM, asking for their help in granting exemptions from deportation and support in securing exit visas.

Yesterday, we received our first email response from UNHCR. It’s a start, and we’re trying to set up a meeting with them now.

Meanwhile, our Afghan women human rights defenders (WHRDs) Rahella and Jahanzeb continue to support the group tirelessly—helping people prepare paperwork for the background checks required by the Brazilian government.

For those wondering about the visa situation:

• Once Brazilian humanitarian visas are issued, our people can apply for exit permits from the Pakistani government.
• Currently, Afghan nationals without legal documentation or with expired visas must pay a reduced exit fee of $400 (previously $800).
• After the grace period, fines for overstaying are $100 per month, up to a maximum of $800.

This entire process hinges on funding. Without it, we cannot cover exit fees, safe housing, or the eventual evacuation. Every day counts.

💛 If you or someone you know would be willing to sponsor a family or group, like Shakila's, please contact us directly.

💛 Please consider donating what you can. Your support makes a real difference in helping people survive—and hope. https://www.foodforthought.care/emergencyfund

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With hope,
Nadja & Team