Afghan Refugees Expelled from Pakistan Amidst Global Earthquake News Stirs Concerns

September 3, 2025

Islamabad is accelerating the repatriation of Afghan nationals, even as Afghanistan grapples with the aftermath of a deadly 6.0 magnitude Earthquake.The escalating situation has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with thousands left vulnerable and facing an uncertain future.

Pakistan Intensifies Deportations

The Pakistani Government has maintained a policy of hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades, from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan through the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.However, in 2023, authorities began citing increased security threats and accusing some within the refugee population of involvement in violent activities. This shift in policy culminated in a large-scale deportation drive.

More than 1.2 million Afghan citizens have already been compelled to return to Afghanistan, according to United Nations estimates. The most recent phase of expulsions targeted those holding UNHCR registration cards, with a September 1st deadline for compliance. Reports indicate that over 4,000 individuals remained in Pakistan after the deadline, and authorities are actively pursuing their deportation.

At the Spin Boldak crossing on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, officials estimate between 250 and 300 families are returning daily.On Tuesday alone, over 6,300 individuals with POR cards crossed at the Torhkam crossing, bringing the total number of POR card holders entering Afghanistan since April to approximately 63,000.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

The mass expulsions are occurring at a particularly dire time for Afghanistan, which is already struggling with widespread poverty and a recent devastating Earthquake. The Earthquake, which measured 6.0 on the Richter scale,resulted in over 1,400 fatalities and left countless more in need of assistance. The influx of returning refugees is exacerbating an already strained humanitarian situation.

Returning Afghans report facing harassment, robbery, and difficulties finding assistance. Concerns are growing about the safety and well-being of those being deported, especially as they arrive in a country reeling from natural disaster and economic hardship.

Many Afghans who had established lives in Pakistan – some born and raised there – now face an uncertain future. Concerns abound that the deportations are intended to pressure the Taliban administration to address Islamabad’s concerns about cross-border attacks. However,the Taliban has denied any involvement.

Metric	Data (September 2025)
total Afghans Returned	Over 1.2 million
POR Card Holders Returned As April	Approximately 63,000
Earthquake Fatalities	Over 1,400
Daily Returns at Spin Boldak	250-300 Families

The History of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

Pakistan has a long history of hosting Afghan Refugees,begining with the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s.Successive waves of displacement have occured due to ongoing conflict and instability in Afghanistan. While initially welcomed, the refugee population has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, particularly regarding security concerns and economic strain.

The UNHCR continues to work with both Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the needs of refugees and find durable solutions. Though, the current situation highlights the complex challenges of managing large-scale displacement and the importance of international cooperation.

Did You Know? Approximately 70% of Afghanistan’s population lives below the poverty line, according to World Bank data from November 2023.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about international affairs can definitely help you understand the complexities of global challenges like refugee crises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Afghan Expulsions

• What is driving the expulsion of Afghans from Pakistan? The Pakistani Government cites security concerns and accuses some Afghans of involvement in militant activities.
• How many Afghans have been affected by the deportations? Over 1.2 million Afghans have been forced to return to afghanistan as 2023.
• What is the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan? Afghanistan is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by poverty, conflict, and natural disasters like the recent earthquake.
• What is a POR card? A POR (Proof of Registration) card is issued by the UNHCR to Afghan refugees in Pakistan, providing them with legal status and access to services.
• What role is the UNHCR playing in this crisis? The UNHCR is working to provide assistance to returning afghans and advocating for their rights.
• Is this expulsion legal under international law? The legality of the expulsions is a complex issue, with concerns raised about the principle of non-refoulement and the protection of vulnerable populations.
• What are the long-term consequences of these deportations? The mass return of Afghans could further destabilize Afghanistan and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

what are your thoughts on the current situation? Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.

How might the intersection of the Afghan refugee expulsion and the recent earthquakes impact the effectiveness of humanitarian aid delivery in Afghanistan?

The Mass Exodus: Recent Developments in Pakistan

Recent weeks have seen a dramatic increase in the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, a situation compounded by the backdrop of devastating global earthquake news, particularly the recent seismic activity impacting the region. The Pakistani government, citing security concerns and economic strain, has intensified its crackdown on undocumented Afghans, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian worries. This isn’t a new issue – Pakistan’s refugee policy has fluctuated for decades – but the current scale and speed of expulsions are unprecedented.

Over 360,000 Afghans have been expelled since September 1st, 2025, according to UNHCR reports.

The majority are being sent back to Afghanistan with limited resources and facing a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.

Concerns are rising about the potential for human rights abuses during the deportation process.

Earthquake Impact & Increased Vulnerability

the timing of these expulsions coincides with a period of heightened seismic activity globally, including tremors felt in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. While the direct impact of recent earthquakes on the refugee expulsion policy isn’t officially stated, aid organizations suggest the instability exacerbates the already precarious situation for returning refugees.

earthquake Relief Efforts & Refugee strain

The earthquakes have stretched already limited resources in Afghanistan, hindering humanitarian aid delivery and increasing the need for shelter, food, and medical assistance. The influx of hundreds of thousands of returnees further strains these resources, creating a complex emergency.

Earthquake damage in eastern Afghanistan has displaced thousands,adding to the existing refugee crisis.

Access to affected areas is hampered by damaged infrastructure and security concerns.

international organizations are struggling to meet the growing needs of both earthquake victims and returning refugees.

Pakistan’s Stated Reasons for Repatriation

The pakistani government maintains that the expulsions are necessary for national security. Officials cite concerns about the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist activities and the economic burden of hosting a large undocumented population.

Security Concerns & Cross-Border Issues

pakistan has long accused the Taliban government in Afghanistan of not doing enough to prevent its territory from being used as a base for militant groups targeting Pakistan. The recent increase in attacks within Pakistan has fueled these concerns and contributed to the decision to accelerate the repatriation process.

Economic Strain & Resource Allocation

The economic situation in Pakistan is also a notable factor. The country is facing a severe economic crisis, and the government argues that it can no longer afford to provide resources to undocumented refugees. this argument is particularly potent given the rising costs of essential goods and services.pakistan’s economy is under significant pressure.

The Situation in Afghanistan: A Looming Humanitarian Crisis

Afghanistan is already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by decades of conflict, drought, and economic instability. The sudden influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees is pushing the country to the brink.

Overburdened Infrastructure & Limited Resources

Afghanistan’s infrastructure is severely underdeveloped, and its healthcare and education systems are struggling to cope with the existing population. The arrival of so many returnees is overwhelming these systems, leading to shortages of essential services.

Shelter, Food & Healthcare Needs

The most immediate needs of returning refugees are shelter, food, and healthcare. Many are arriving in Afghanistan with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and are forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Access to clean water and sanitation is also limited, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Afghan refugee camps are quickly becoming overwhelmed.

International Response & Aid Organizations

International organizations, including the UNHCR, the world Food Program, and the International Red Cross, are working to provide assistance to returning refugees and earthquake victims in Afghanistan. However, funding is limited, and the scale of the crisis is overwhelming.

UNHCR’s Role & Challenges

The UNHCR is coordinating the international response, providing shelter, food, and other essential assistance to refugees. Though, the organization is facing significant challenges in accessing affected areas and delivering aid due to security concerns and logistical constraints.

Funding Gaps & Urgent Appeals

There is a critical need for increased funding to support humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. International organizations have launched urgent appeals for donations, but the response has been slow. Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan is desperately needed.

Legal & Human Rights Concerns

The forced repatriation of Afghan refugees raises serious legal and human rights concerns. International law prohibits the collective expulsion of refugees, and requires that each case be assessed individually.

Non-Refoulement Principle & Refugee Status

The principle of non-refoulement – the obligation not to return refugees to a country were they face persecution – is a cornerstone of international refugee law.However, Pakistan has been accused of violating this principle by deporting refugees without adequate due process. Determining refugee status is crucial.

Reports of Abuse & Vulnerable Populations

there have been numerous reports of abuse and mistreatment of Afghan refugees during the deportation process, including harassment, extortion, and physical violence.Women, children, and other vulnerable populations are particularly at risk.

Resources for Facts & Support

UNHCR: https://www.unhcr.org/

World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org/

* International Red Cross: [https://www.icrc.org/](https://www