Pakistan Deports Nearly 3,000 Afghan Refugees in One Day

Pakistan Deports Nearly 3,000 Afghan Refugees in One Day
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According to Afghanistan’s Taliban-led High Commission for Migrants, the deportees returned to Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing in eastern Nangarhar province and the Spin Boldak crossing in southern Kandahar province. The commission also reported that Iran deported another 140 Afghan migrants through the Islam Qala and Silk Road border crossings on the same day.

The latest returns come as Pakistan presses ahead with its deportation drive despite repeated concerns raised by humanitarian organisations and refugee advocates. Islamabad has maintained that undocumented foreigners must leave the country, while rights groups have warned that many Afghans face serious risks if returned.

The continued deportations are placing additional pressure on Afghanistan, where millions of people already depend on humanitarian assistance. International aid agencies have warned that the country is struggling with widespread poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and declining humanitarian funding.

Many returning families arrive with limited resources and face significant challenges in finding housing, employment and access to basic services.

The deportation campaign has also heightened fears among Afghan refugees in Pakistan, many of whom say they are living under constant uncertainty.

According to Pakistani authorities, more than 1.177 million Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan since the deportation campaign began in September 2023.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan have repeatedly warned that returning to Afghanistan could expose them to security risks, economic hardship and an uncertain future. Human rights organisations have also expressed concern about the impact of forced returns on vulnerable groups, including women, children, journalists, former government employees and individuals seeking international protection.