Sat Mar 29 04:42:23 UTC 2025: ## Afghan Girl Musicians Face Deportation Despite US Resettlement Hopes
**ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN** – Four young Afghan musicians, who fled their country after the Taliban takeover, are facing imminent deportation from Pakistan, jeopardizing their hopes of resettlement in the United States. Yasemin (18), Zakia (16), Shukriya (14), and Uzra (7) – two sets of sisters – learned to play guitar at Miraculous Love Kids, a Kabul music school founded by American musician Lanny Cordola. After the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Cordola orchestrated their escape to Islamabad, securing funding and navigating complex logistical challenges.
Three other students from the school were successfully resettled in the US, and the four sisters and their families were scheduled to follow on February 5th. However, a Trump-era executive order suspending refugee programs and Pakistan’s impending deportation of all Afghan nationals, including those with documentation, have thrown their future into jeopardy. Pakistan has set an April 1st deadline for deportations.
Cordola, who continues to teach and support the girls in Islamabad, is desperately seeking alternative solutions. The girls, who have recorded a rendition of Sia’s “Unstoppable,” have gained international attention, highlighting their talent and precarious situation. They fear returning to Afghanistan, where their musical pursuits could be severely punished under Taliban rule.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of Afghan refugees and the complexities of international resettlement efforts. Advocacy groups like #AfghanEvac are urging the US government to uphold its commitments, while the UNHCR is calling on Pakistan to ensure the safety of at-risk Afghans. The girls’ story, and the broader plight of countless Afghan refugees, raises questions about the reliability of international promises and the challenges faced by those fleeing persecution. Their future hangs precariously in the balance, highlighting the urgent need for a swift resolution.
First Piper 