Pakistan forces 1.4 million Afghan refugees to return home

Pakistan has recently begun a campaign to deport Afghan refugees after the expiration of their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. This action affects approximately 1.4 million Afghan nationals whose legal residency status lapsed at the end of June 2025. Many of these individuals had anticipated a possible extension of their stay to address personal matters before returning to Afghanistan. As a result of the federal government's decision made in late July 2025, authorities have stepped up efforts to detain and deport Afghans illegally residing in the country. Additionally, around 800,000 Afghans hold Afghan Citizen Cards but are also included in these deportation efforts due to their undocumented status in Pakistan. Police have been instructed to conduct random checks and house-to-house searches to identify and detain individuals without valid documentation. The refugee commissioner for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province acknowledges that this operation marks a significant directive from the central government in Islamabad aimed at repatriating Afghan nationals. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has voiced strong criticism regarding these deportations, describing the process as a potential violation of international obligations. The situation has raised concerns about the conditions Afghans face upon their return, as many may struggle to reintegrate into their home country due to ongoing instability following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Repatriating Afghan nationals in such significant numbers may lead to dire consequences for both the individuals involved and the broader socio-political environment in Afghanistan, which remains precarious. High-ranking officials have called for a more humane approach, advocating for a gradual and voluntary return process rather than forced deportations, emphasizing the need to consider the well-being and stability of both Afghans and the region.