Pakistan’s Deportation Policy
Since October 2023, Pakistan has intensified efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghan nationals. The government set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for all illegal foreigners, including Afghan Citizen Card holders, to voluntarily leave the country. Following this, deportations commenced on April 1, 2025. Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry stated that while Afghans with U.N. refugee status could remain until at least June, undocumented individuals would face immediate expulsion. This policy has already led to the repatriation of over 850,000 Afghans, with an estimated 800,000 still residing illegally in Pakistan .
International and Human Rights Concerns
The United Nations has urged Pakistan to cease mass deportations, emphasizing the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution. UN experts highlighted that many Afghans are at risk of severe human rights abuses upon return, including threats to women, journalists, and former government employees .
Human Rights Watch has reported that deported Afghans face dire conditions, including unemployment, a broken healthcare system, and a lack of foreign assistance. The organization has called on Pakistan to end forced returns and expedite resettlement processes for at-risk individuals .
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Particularly concerning is the situation of Afghan women activists. A campaign has been launched to prevent the deportation of 60 Afghan women leaders, who face threats of torture and execution under the Taliban regime. International human rights organizations are advocating for their protection and relocation to safer countries .
Pakistan’s Position
The Pakistani government maintains that its deportation policy targets all undocumented foreigners and is not specific to Afghans. Officials assert that the country will continue to work with U.N. agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups. However, the mass deportations have strained relations with Afghanistan and drawn criticism from the international community .
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the balance between national security concerns and humanitarian obligations.
