Pakistan’s Renewed Deportations Fuel Afghan Refugee Crisis

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Pakistan Begins large-Scale Afghan Refugee Repatriations, Sparking UN concerns

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan has commenced the repatriation of over 1.4 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, following the expiration of their legal stay at the end of June. The move, confirmed by a government notification on July 31st, is already leading to detentions and forced returns, raising alarm from the united Nations refugee agency.

the decision impacts Afghans who have lived in Pakistan for decades, many hoping for a one-year extension to finalize personal affairs. Approximately 800,000 additional Afghans hold Afghan Citizen Cards and are also being targeted in the crackdown.

“Sending peopel back in this manner is tantamount to refoulement and a breach of a state’s international obligations,” stated Qaiser Khan Afridi,a spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). He urged pakistan to adopt a “humane approach to ensure voluntary, gradual, and dignified return of Afghans.”

pakistani authorities maintain the repatriations are being conducted “in a dignified way,” wiht police conducting house-to-house checks and detaining those without valid documentation.Shakeel Khan, commissioner for Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, confirmed the operation is the “most important step yet” under federal government orders.

The timing of the repatriations is particularly concerning, as over 1.2 million Afghan nationals have already been forced to return from Iran and Pakistan this year,according to a recent UNHCR report.Experts fear this mass influx could destabilize Afghanistan, which is still grappling with the Taliban government established in 2021.

“I have five children and my concern is that thay will miss their education,” said Rehmat Ullah, a 35-year-old Afghan who has lived in Pakistan for decades and is now preparing to return home. “I was born here, my children were born here and now we are going back.”

This latest operation follows a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign residents launched in 2023. The Interior Ministry has yet to comment on the ongoing situation.

[Image Suggestion: A photo of Afghan refugees being processed at a border crossing,or a family preparing to leave their home in Pakistan. Ensure proper attribution.]

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tags: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Refugees, UNHCR, Immigration, Repatriation, Taliban, Humanitarian Crisis, International Law, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh.

Categories: World News, Human Rights, Politics, Immigration

Source: AP

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How do PakistanS economic strains contribute to its deportation policy regarding Afghan refugees?

The Escalating Situation: A Surge in Forced Returns

Pakistan has significantly increased the deportation of Afghan refugees and migrants in recent months, triggering a deepening humanitarian crisis. This renewed push, officially framed as a crackdown on illegal immigration, is sending hundreds of thousands of Afghans back across the border, many to a country already grappling with severe economic hardship, political instability, and the ongoing impacts of decades of conflict. The scale of these deportations is unprecedented, exceeding previous waves of forced returns. Terms like “Afghan repatriation,” “forced migration,” and “refugee crisis in Afghanistan” are trending as international concern grows.

Key Drivers Behind Pakistan’s Deportation Policy

Several factors contribute to Pakistan’s current stance. These include:

Security concerns: Pakistani authorities cite security concerns, alleging that some Afghan nationals are involved in terrorist activities. This narrative has been consistently used to justify stricter border controls and deportation measures.

Economic Strain: Pakistan’s own economic difficulties are a important driver. The government argues that undocumented migrants place a burden on already stretched resources, including healthcare, education, and employment.

political Pressure: Domestic political pressures and public sentiment regarding the presence of a large Afghan population also play a role.

International Agreements: While Pakistan is a signatory to international conventions regarding refugees, its interpretation and implementation of these agreements are under scrutiny.

The Humanitarian Impact on Afghanistan

The mass return of Afghans is overwhelming Afghanistan’s already fragile infrastructure and humanitarian response capacity.

Overburdened Resources: Existing aid organizations and local communities are struggling to provide adequate shelter, food, water, and medical care to the returning population.

Increased Poverty: Many deportees are arriving with limited resources, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity in Afghanistan.

Health Crisis: The influx of returnees is straining the healthcare system, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Access to healthcare is already limited for many Afghans.

Protection Risks: Deportees, notably women and children, face heightened protection risks, including gender-based violence, trafficking, and exploitation.

Displacement within Afghanistan: Many returnees are internally displaced persons (IDPs) themselves, having previously fled conflict or natural disasters within Afghanistan.

Numbers and Trends: A Statistical Overview

As of late 2024 and continuing into 2025, estimates indicate that Pakistan has deported over 400,000 Afghan nationals. This figure includes both registered refugees and undocumented migrants.

UNHCR Data: The united Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports a significant increase in the number of Afghans crossing the border from Pakistan, with daily arrivals reaching record highs.

Border Crossing Points: The Torkham and Chaman border crossings are the primary points of entry for returning Afghans.

Vulnerable Groups: A ample proportion of the deportees are women,children,and elderly individuals,making them particularly vulnerable.

Recent Spike (July 2024 – August 2025): The deportation rate has accelerated dramatically in the past year, coinciding with a shift in Pakistan’s immigration policies.

International Response and Aid Efforts

The international community is responding to the crisis, but aid efforts are falling short of the immense needs.

UNHCR Appeal: The UNHCR has launched an appeal for increased funding to support Afghanistan and Pakistan in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the deportations.

donor Contributions: Several countries have pledged financial assistance, but more is needed to meet the growing demands.

Humanitarian Organizations: Organizations like the World food Program (WFP), the International Association for Migration (IOM), and various NGOs are providing assistance to returnees in Afghanistan.

Advocacy Efforts: Human rights organizations are advocating for the protection of Afghan refugees and migrants and calling on Pakistan to uphold its international obligations.

The Legal Framework and Refugee Rights

Pakistan has historically been a major host country for Afghan refugees, but its legal framework regarding refugee status is complex and ofen inconsistently applied.

1951 Refugee Convention: Pakistan is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, but with reservations that limit its applicability.

Proof of Registration (PoR) Cards: Many Afghan refugees in Pakistan have been issued PoR cards, granting them temporary legal status. However, these cards have expired for many, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.

Non-Refoulement Principle: The principle of non-refoulement,which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they face persecution,is a cornerstone of international refugee law. Concerns have been raised about whether pakistan is fully adhering to this principle.

Due Process Concerns: Reports suggest that many deportees are not afforded adequate due process or the opportunity to appeal their deportation orders.

Case Study: The Impact on Families

The story of the Hussaini family* exemplifies the devastating impact of the deportations. Originally from Kunduz province in Afghanistan, they fled to Pakistan in 2015 due to escalating conflict.after nine years in Pakistan, holding expired PoR cards, they were deported in July 2025. Upon arrival in Afghanistan, they found their home destroyed and