Pakistan Intensifies Deportations Of Afghan Nationals

Pakistan's Ministry of Interior has significantly ramped up its campaign to deport undocumented Afghan migrants, expelling over 216,000 Afghans in just over two months. The move is part of a broader strategy that began last year, aiming to remove over a million undocumented foreign nationals from the country.

According to Pakistani media reports on Tuesday, June 10, the Ministry stated that the deportations have continued at a rapid pace, with Afghan citizens being urged to leave voluntarily before facing enforcement measures. Officials noted that the government began deporting holders of the Afghan Citizen Card (ICC) starting April 1.

The Ministry assured that returning Afghans-particularly women, children, and the elderly-would be treated with dignity and provided with food and health services upon return. Authorities emphasized a“respectful and humane” process at designated repatriation points along the border.

In its public statement, the Ministry warned that any attempt to obstruct deportation efforts-including hiring, sheltering, or conducting business with undocumented migrants-would be met with strict legal action.

Data from the Interior Ministry shows that since October 2023, over one million undocumented Afghans have been deported from Pakistan. This includes those without valid visas or refugee documentation.

The crackdown reflects growing domestic pressure in Pakistan amid economic challenges and security concerns. Islamabad has defended the policy as necessary for national stability, though humanitarian organizations have raised alarms over the abrupt nature and potential rights violations involved.

Meanwhile, similar deportation efforts continue from the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of Afghan nationals being sent back each month, further intensifying the regional migration crisis.

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