Key Points:
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Pakistan’s Deportation Initiative: Pakistan has initiated the second phase of its deportation program, aiming to expel approximately 1.6 million undocumented Afghan migrants and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders by the end of 2025. This follows the cancellation of 800,000 ACCs in March 2025.
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Taliban’s Response: The Taliban government has condemned Pakistan’s actions, labeling the expulsion process as violent and unacceptable. They have called for a joint agreement to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan refugees, emphasizing the right of returnees to bring their belongings and assets.
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Increased Border Crossings: The deportation campaign has led to a significant rise in border crossings, with an average of 4,000 Afghans returning daily in early April 2025, a sharp increase from the March daily average of 77. Reuters
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Humanitarian Concerns: There are growing concerns about the treatment of returning refugees, with reports of arbitrary arrests and demands for bribes by Pakistani authorities. Afghan women’s rights activists, in particular, fear persecution upon return to Afghanistan. The Guardian
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Pakistan’s Assurance: Pakistan’s interior ministry has stated that deportations will commence from April 1, 2025, following the expiration of the voluntary departure deadline. They have issued instructions to ensure that departing Afghans are not harassed during the process.
The ongoing deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan has intensified bilateral tensions and raised significant humanitarian concerns. While Pakistan cites security and demographic reasons for the expulsions, the Taliban government decries the process as violent and disruptive. The situation underscores the need for a collaborative approach to manage refugee repatriation, ensuring the safety and dignity of returnees. Continued dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, supported by international organizations, is crucial to address the complexities of this issue and mitigate potential regional instability.
