Saying that Afghanistan is not a safe place is an understatement. Nearly two thirds of the Afghan population were in need of humanitarian aid by the end of last year, and the United Nations high commissioner has stated that human rights in Afghanistan are in collapse, with women facing significant restrictions. Many Afghans fled to Pakistan due to Taliban rule, awaiting resettlement to safe countries like the UK. There have been reports of deportations resuming from Pakistan back to Afghanistan since October 2023 and even those carrying valid documents could be at risk.

It is a pleasure to be called first after five years. It seems unusual to challenge Ministers on representations made to another Government's sovereign decision, but it’s important to recognise the support received from Pakistan for ARAP and ACRS schemes throughout my tenure in the Ministry of Defence.

Congratulates the hon. Member for North East Fife on presenting the urgent question, highlighting that although Afghanistan no longer occupies the headlines, women are living under a gender apartheid, men and women who fought bravely alongside British armed services are often targeted and killed by the Taliban, and Labour is clear that we owe many Afghans a debt of gratitude. Asks how many people now require protection from repatriation back across the border; details discussions with the Pakistani Government to halt or limit returns, steps being taken to bring at-risk individuals to safety, particularly former members of the Afghan security force who are no longer in the Government, and efforts to support women and girls in Afghanistan.

Asks whether it is important for the Pakistani Government to continue showing flexibility so that when people entitled to resettlement in the UK show they are within our ARAP-eligible umbrella, they are protected during the process.

Congratulates the hon. Member for North East Fife on bringing forward this urgent question, noting that my hon. and learned Friend's Committee’s report highlights that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has referenced the Rwanda scheme as their justification for deporting Afghans back into the hands of the Taliban; asks if Afghan men and women who fought with British forces but were not brought out to safety through Operation Pitting should be sent to Rwanda.

Asks what safeguards the UK Government is putting in place and what conversations they are having with the Pakistan Government to make sure that Christians on the border, who may be persecuted if returned to Afghanistan, are not returned there.

Expresses concern about those forcibly taken out of Pakistan and particularly reports on Afghans born in Pakistan being packed off to Rwanda; asks how the UK can show a moral stance today when voting down an amendment preventing Afghans who supported British forces from being sent to Rwanda.

Asks about discussions with the Pakistani high commissioner regarding the 15 April deadline to deport Afghans from Pakistan; notes that a new medical centre is opening in Bolton next week.

Asks if the Minister appreciates that while Pakistan’s policy might not be identical to Britain's Rwanda policy, it acts as encouragement for other countries when the UK sets aside international treaty obligations regarding refugees and asylum seekers.

Can my right hon. Friend the Minister explain the assessment that has been made of the adequacy of the humanitarian assistance available to those at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border?

Can I ask the right hon. Lady to give an assurance that her Department is working very closely with his Department to ensure that the applications of any potential ARAP-entitled people in Pakistan are being reassessed as quickly as possible?

Can the Minister tell me exactly how many people are waiting for the UK Government to get their act together and process their ACRS and ARAP applications?

Given that the ACRS is not even open—there is no phase 4 open at this moment—what numbers of people are expected? I have a constituent for whom this is really important. Can the Minister tell us the number of people she is expecting who are not in the process and who need to be accommodated?

What is the Minister’s assessment of the matter of those working in local government who may have been magistrates, and the potential reputational damage this could cause to the UK?

What steps will the Government take to provide safe passage and routes for Afghans and allies to reach the UK and ensure they receive safe legal status?