Pakistan deports nearly one million Afghan migrants since campaign began in 2023

Pakistan has deported 979,486 Afghan nationals since launching a nationwide campaign in 2023 to expel foreigners without legal documentation, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The government began the first phase of deportations in November 2023 and initiated a second phase in early 2024, setting a March 31 deadline for those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) to leave voluntarily or face deportation.

Pakistan has hosted over 2.8 million Afghan nationals, many of whom fled decades of war. While 1.3 million are registered refugees with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, approximately 800,000 hold ACCs that offer temporary legal status without refugee protection.

Authorities say the deportations are being conducted in a “dignified” manner. A federal control room was recently established to assist Afghan nationals and address any harassment complaints. The move follows a visit by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul, where he discussed the repatriation process with Afghan officials.

Afghanistan has urged Pakistan to ensure repatriations are peaceful and coordinated amid reports of mistreatment. Islamabad denies such claims and insists that deportations follow legal procedures. The crackdown comes amid heightened security concerns, with Pakistan blaming Afghan nationals and militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan for recent attacks—a claim Kabul rejects.