Pakistan deports record 144,500 Afghans in April amid ongoing repatriation drive

Pakistan deported 144,500 Afghan nationals in April—the highest monthly total since its mass repatriation campaign began in September 2023—according to a joint report by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The report shows that 72 percent of those returned were undocumented, while 22 percent held Afghan Citizenship Cards and 6 percent had Proof of Registration cards. Authorities also arrested around 24,400 Afghans in April, more than double the average monthly figure for 2024. Most arrests took place in Punjab, followed by Balochistan.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) voiced concern over the forced returns, warning that religious minorities—including Christians, Shi’a Hazaras, Ahmadis, and Sikhs—face serious risks under Taliban rule. USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck highlighted potential retaliation and danger for women and girls in these communities.

Human rights organizations have urged Pakistan to halt the deportations, citing international legal obligations and the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where essential services and the economy are under severe strain. Roughly 2.8 million Afghans remain in Pakistan. Under the second phase of the repatriation plan, over 1.4 million are expected to be returned.