Massive deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan occurs

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Pakistan witnessed the largest deportation of Afghan refugees through the Torkham border since April 1, with 777 individuals returning to Afghanistan following their arrests in Islamabad and various cities in Punjab. This significant operation was conducted by the Punjab police, which intensified its crackdown on illegal Afghan nationals, reflecting the Pakistani government’s tightening of immigration policies regarding foreigners residing illegally in the country. Those deported included men, women, and children, who faced considerable difficulties due to the regulations surrounding entry into Afghanistan. Deportees reported that authorities at the border crossing demanded transportation vehicles to have a Temporary Admission Document (TAD), which led to financial burdens for many families forced to pay extra for the logistics of their return. Some individuals shared their experiences of having to offload their belongings from vehicles lacking the necessary documentation and then transferring them to compliant vehicles or hand carts for the journey to the border, compounding their distress. In addition to the deportations, the assistant commissioner of Landi Kotal ordered all illegal Afghan residents in the area to vacate their homes, urging them to return voluntarily in accordance with the federal government’s announcements aimed at expelling illegal foreigners. Officials noted that the number of returning Afghans had increased since the deadline for voluntary repatriation expired on March 31, intensifying the police actions against undocumented individuals. The context of these deportations is tied to a long-standing history of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, where many have resided for over four decades. The situation has culminated in a reluctant return that officials claim is necessary for Pakistan's national policy, aiming to facilitate a more structured repatriation process for those who have overstayed their welcome or are deemed to be illegal residents. The local authorities indicated they would avoid using force and aimed to assist with the return of refugees, emphasizing the need for orderly procedures as Pakistan navigates its immigration enforcement challenge.