A group of politicians and activists have filed a petition with the Supreme Court, challenging the “mass deportation” of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers by the caretaker government. The petitioners include politicians, rights activists, and lawyers. The petition has not yet been accepted for hearing. The government had set an October 31 deadline for all undocumented immigrants to leave Pakistan or face imprisonment and deportation. The government estimates that there are 1.7 million undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan. The government plans to keep foreign nationals without identity documents in “holding centres” before deporting them. The petition argues that the government’s decision violates the fundamental rights of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and reverses the country’s long-standing policy of hospitality towards refugees. It also raises concerns about the welfare of those being deported, as well as the targeting of Afghan refugees. The petition urges the court to declare the government’s decision illegal and unconstitutional, and to intervene to protect refugees and asylum seekers. The petitioners argue that the policy is in violation of national and international law and that it is arbitrary and discriminatory. They highlight the impact on women and children, who have been born in Pakistan and consider it their home. The petition calls for action to prevent further expulsions and protect the rights of all persons in Pakistan.