Pakistan expels over 850 Afghan families in single day

IANS April 14, 2025 153 views

Pakistan has dramatically escalated its refugee expulsion policy, forcibly removing 852 Afghan families in a single day. The Pakistani government plans to deport three million Afghans by 2025, targeting undocumented migrants living and working in the country. Deportees report harsh treatment, including sudden arrests, property seizures, and immediate border expulsions. International organizations have raised serious concerns about the humanitarian risks faced by refugees returning to an unstable Afghanistan.

"They arrested us while working. Whatever money we had, they took it." - Aqakhan, Afghan Deportee
Kabul, April 14: Pakistan continues to expel Afghan families through the Torkham border crossing in eastern Nangarhar and the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province.

Key Points

1

Pakistan plans mass deportation of 3 million Afghans by 2025

2

Over 7 million Afghan refugees currently living abroad

3

Deportees losing businesses and facing harsh treatment

4

International organizations condemn forced refugee returns

On Sunday, the Pakistani agencies expelled a total of 852 Afghan families with 4,567 members, Afghanistan's High Commission for Addressing Returnees Problems said in a statement on Monday.

On Saturday, Pakistan had expelled a total of 6,500 Afghan refugees, the commission detailed.

At the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the commission provided temporary shelters, nourishment, water, medical care, and transportation services to their respective provinces for the returnees, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Pakistani government is set to deport three million Afghans to their home country in 2025.

Reportedly, about seven million Afghan refugees, most of whom are undocumented migrants, are currently living abroad, with most living in Afghanistan's neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.

The Afghan interim government has been repeatedly calling upon Afghan refugees to end living abroad as refugees and return home to contribute to the rebuilding of their war-torn homeland.

Forcibly deported Afghans stated that they were arrested by Pakistani police while at work and deported to Afghanistan, leaving behind their businesses and family members.

"I ran a small hotel business at the fruit market. The police raided me, detained me in Haji Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for four nights, and now deported me via Torkham," and Afghan deportee Gul Mohammad was quoted as saying by Afghan media outlet TOLO News, last week.

"They arrested us while we were working. Whatever money we had, they took it. They brought us to the police station and treated us harshly. They don't see us as good neighbours," another deportee, Aqakhan, stated.

Pakistan's deportation policy has come under scrutiny, with several international organisations condemning the act. They have raised concern over the grave risks faced by the refugees upon their return amid uncertainties in Afghanistan.

Reader Comments

A
Amina K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 These families have built their lives in Pakistan for years. While I understand immigration policies, the treatment described here is unacceptable. No one deserves to be treated like criminals just for seeking safety.
R
Rahim S.
The numbers are staggering - 850 families in one day? Where will they go in Afghanistan? The infrastructure isn't ready to absorb so many returnees at once. This needs more coordination between both governments.
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Tariq M.
While Pakistan has every right to enforce its immigration laws, the process should be more humane. Confiscating money and harsh treatment only creates more suffering. There must be a better way.
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Sana F.
The Afghan government calling refugees to return is one thing, but are they prepared to provide jobs, housing and security? Rebuilding takes time and resources. This mass deportation seems premature.
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Zubair A.
As someone who has lived in both countries, this situation is complex. Pakistan has hosted refugees for decades, but undocumented migration does create challenges. Still, the suddenness of these deportations is shocking.
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Laila N.
The story of Gul Mohammad running a hotel business is so sad. These are productive members of society being uprooted. Pakistan should consider work permits for those contributing to the economy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Pakistan Deportation Afghan Refugees Forced Migration Humanitarian Crisis Border Tensions
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