Pakistan expels over 750 Afghan refugees amid crackdown

Pakistan witnessed a significant deportation of Afghan refugees on April 5, 2025, as authorities enforced stricter regulations following the expiration of a voluntary repatriation deadline on March 31. This drastic measure was taken amidst a broader crackdown on illegal Afghan nationals across the country, particularly in the Punjab province where numerous arrests occurred. Reports indicated that 777 Afghan nationals, including men, women, and children, were forcibly returned through the Torkham border, a main transit route between the two countries. The deportation process involved the Punjab police escorting the refugees to the checkpost at Peshawar's Karkhano Market, where they were handed over to local law enforcement for their crossing back into Afghanistan. Affected families expressed their distress over stringent regulations concerning transportation, specifically the requirement for temporary admission documents (TAD) for vehicles. Many returning refugees were burdened with significant financial hardships as they had to abandon their prearranged non-TAD vehicles, incurring additional costs for TAD-compliant transport or utilizing handcarts for moving their belongings. The emotional toll of leaving their homes and the harsh environment of repatriation was evident, particularly as they faced economic challenges in their journey back to Afghanistan. In Kohat, authorities had previously ordered approximately 100,000 undocumented Afghan nationals and those holding Afghan Citizen Cards to voluntarily return to their homeland, citing the need to comply with government's expulsion policies for illegal foreigners. While the administration assured that police action would not be used to force the return, the urgency was clear. This order highlighted the lack of legal status for many Afghan nationals in Pakistan, a situation stemming from prolonged displacement due to the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan. Customs authorities noted a reduction in imports from Afghanistan due to technical issues with scanning machines at the customs terminal, which has affected trade. Consequently, the region's economy, reliant on commerce across the border, is seeing compounded difficulties alongside the expulsion of refugees. As Pakistan continues to navigate its policies on Afghan refugees amid changing circumstances, the humanitarian implications remain profound, affecting the livelihoods and security of thousands of individuals who have called Pakistan home for decades.