Pakistan has significantly escalated its deportation campaign against Afghan nationals, resulting in over 200,000 Afghans leaving the country since April. This move is part of a broader strategy targeting undocumented migrants and those with revoked residence permits.
According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, more than 135,000 Afghans departed in April, approximately 67,000 in May, and over 3,000 in the first two days of June. The campaign aims to expel over 800,000 Afghans, including individuals who have resided in Pakistan for decades.
Simultaneously, Iran has intensified its expulsions of Afghan nationals. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 15,675 Afghans crossed from Iran into Afghanistan in May, more than double the previous month’s figure. Iranian authorities have mandated that undocumented Afghans leave by July 6, affecting approximately four million of the six million Afghans residing in Iran.
The IOM has expressed concern over the mass returns, warning that Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure may not withstand the sudden influx. The organization has called for an immediate suspension of forced returns until conditions for safe and voluntary repatriation are established.
Pakistan’s deportation drive, initiated in 2023, has been linked to national security concerns. Islamabad accuses Afghan nationals of involvement in terrorist activities and blames the Taliban-led government in Kabul for harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks. The Taliban denies these allegations.
Human rights organizations have criticized Pakistan’s actions, citing reports of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and extortion of Afghans, particularly in Punjab and Sindh provinces. The UNHCR noted that in April alone, 12,948 Afghans were arrested or detained in Pakistan, surpassing the total for the entire previous year.
The Afghan government has condemned Pakistan’s measures as unilateral and urged Islamabad to facilitate the dignified return of Afghan refugees. Afghan Prime Minister Hasan Akhund emphasized the need for cooperation between the two nations to address the refugee crisis.
As regional tensions persist, the mass deportations have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact on returnees and the potential for increased instability in Afghanistan. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritize human rights and regional stability.
