As of April 2025, Pakistan is experiencing a significant crisis concerning Afghan refugees, with the government initiating large-scale deportations of undocumented Afghan nationals. This action follows the expiration of a voluntary repatriation deadline on March 31, 2025, after which authorities commenced operations to expel those without proper documentation. The News International
Background and Scale of the Crisis
Pakistan has long been a refuge for Afghan nationals, hosting approximately 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees and an estimated 1.5 million undocumented Afghans. The influx began during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and has continued through subsequent conflicts, including the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. UNHCRForeign Affairs Forum
Government Actions and Deportation Plans
The Pakistani government announced plans to deport around 3 million Afghans by the end of 2025. This initiative, known as the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” aims to address security concerns and manage the undocumented population. The deportations were temporarily delayed due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays but resumed in early April. Financial Times+3AP News+3The News International+3Amnesty International+1AP News+1
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The forced returns have raised significant humanitarian concerns. Many deported individuals, including women’s rights activists, journalists, and former government officials, face severe risks upon return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized Pakistan’s actions, highlighting the potential for persecution and destitution among returnees. Amnesty InternationalThe Guardian
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed apprehension, noting that the decision to expel refugees has unsettled the Afghan community in Pakistan. The agency emphasized the need for voluntary and sustainable returns, cautioning against forced repatriations that could exacerbate Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. Dawn
Impact on Afghan Refugees
The deportations have led to widespread fear and uncertainty among Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Reports indicate increased harassment, arbitrary arrests, and demands for bribes by local authorities. Families who have lived in Pakistan for decades now face the prospect of returning to a country where they have little to no support, raising concerns about their safety and well-being. The GuardianAl Jazeera
International Aid and Funding Challenges
Compounding the crisis are significant cuts in international aid, particularly from the United States, which has reduced funding for refugee support programs in Pakistan. This reduction has strained resources available for Afghan refugees and impacted the operations of organizations like the UNHCR. Financial Times
Conclusion
The current Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan is a complex humanitarian issue involving large-scale deportations, international funding cuts, and significant risks for returnees. Human rights organizations and international bodies continue to call for compassionate and lawful approaches to address the needs of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the importance of voluntary repatriation and adherence to international protection standards.
11 thoughts on “Forced to Return: The Ongoing Plight of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan”
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