Pakistan expels thousands of Afghans amid deportation drive
- Pakistan has enforced a stricter deportation campaign for Afghan migrants, especially targeting undocumented individuals and ACC holders, since the initial deadline on March 31, 2025.
- The government has set an April 30, 2025 deadline for any potential relocation of Afghan nationals, warning that non-resettled individuals face forced expulsion.
- The ongoing deportations have sparked humanitarian concerns, as many Afghans returning face potential dangers under Taliban rule, highlighting the complexity of their legal status and safety.
In recent days, thousands of Afghan nationals have been deported from Pakistan as the government enforced a strict policy aimed at undocumented migrants. This campaign, which intensified starting on March 31, 2025, has led to an increased exodus, particularly via the Torkham border crossing. Many Afghans, having fled their country after the Taliban's 2021 takeover, are now faced with forced removal back to a homeland that many do not remember, as they have never lived there or left at a very young age. The Pakistani government established April 30, 2025, as a final deadline for Afghan migrants seeking resettlement in third countries, signaling that those not relocated by that date may face immediate deportation. Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry emphasized that individuals who obtained Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) were particularly at risk, as there was no assurance of extension beyond the deadline. The situation is exacerbated by the suspension of the U.S. refugee admissions program, which has left over 25,000 Afghans uncertain about their future. Humanitarian organizations have raised alarm over the possible dangers these returning Afghans may face under Taliban rule, as many could encounter persecution or violence due to their previous affiliations, particularly those who worked alongside U.S. forces or international NGOs. Legal status complications within families add to the distress, as members may hold different permits, leaving some vulnerable to deportation while others are protected. Critics have condemned the deportation strategy as not only politically motivated but also as a violation of humanitarian principles. Pakistan has justified the crackdown based on security concerns, linking undocumented Afghans to criminal activities, and insists that its policy is consistent with a commitment to refugee rights. However, many refugees simply seek to stay in a country they consider home, navigating a complex and worsening situation as the deadline approaches.