Afghan Families in Pakistan Face Deportation Amid Government Crackdown

More than 2 million Afghan citizens in Pakistan are at risk of deportation as the Pakistani government implements new regulations targeting undocumented residents. A recent three-phase plan announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aims to expel Afghan citizens, starting with an immediate deportation of those without valid visas, including approximately 800,000 who hold Afghan Citizen Cards.

The crackdown follows a history of Pakistan hosting millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion in 1979. Currently, around 2.5 million Afghans reside in Pakistan, with 1.3 million holding UNHCR-issued Proof of Registration cards. However, these individuals now face uncertainty regarding their legal status.

The government’s actions have escalated since late 2023, resulting in over 800,000 Afghan nationals returning to Afghanistan. The UNHCR has expressed concern about the potential risks faced by deported individuals, urging the Pakistani government to consider the safety of Afghans, especially those with pending asylum claims. A March 31 deadline has been set for Afghan citizens awaiting resettlement in third countries, after which deportations may occur.