MSF urges Pakistan to halt forced returns of Afghan refugees over health risks

MSF urges Pakistan to halt forced returns of Afghan refugees over health risks
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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has urged Pakistan to suspend the forced return of Afghan refugees under its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), warning that the policy is preventing vulnerable people from accessing healthcare and increasing humanitarian risks.

The medical charity said many Afghan refugees are avoiding hospitals and clinics due to fears of arrest, detention, eviction and deportation. MSF reported that some refugees have delayed treatment for serious conditions, including pregnancy complications and malnutrition.

The organization cited mobile clinic data from Quetta in early 2026, showing that one-third of screened children suffered from acute malnutrition. Among them, 7.6% had severe acute malnutrition and 25.7% had moderate acute malnutrition, with most affected patients being Afghan refugees, particularly women and children.

MSF called on Pakistan to protect refugees with international protection needs and establish mechanisms to prevent the return of vulnerable groups, including children, women, elderly people and those requiring medical care.

According to the UN refugee agency, more than 2.5 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan under the repatriation plan, with many facing serious risks after arrival in Afghanistan.