Rising Tensions: Pakistan's Mass Deportation of Afghan Refugees

Pakistan's recent expulsion of tens of thousands of Afghans, coupled with an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, has sparked widespread concern. Border tensions and a deteriorating economy exacerbate the situation, as deportees struggle to find stability upon their return.

Pakistan has initiated a sweeping campaign to deport Afghan nationals, pushing out more than 19,500 people this month alone, part of a larger trend that has seen over 80,000 Afghans leave since the beginning of April, as reported by the United Nations. The Pakistani government cites its inability to accommodate an ever-growing population of refugees as the catalyst for this accelerated deportation drive. Taliban officials confirm that between 700 and 800 families are being sent back each day, with projections estimating that up to two million Afghans may be pushed to leave in the coming months.

In an effort to discuss these expulsion measures, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to Kabul recently, where he held talks with his Taliban counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi. The Taliban expressed profound concern regarding the ongoing deportations. Many of those expelled at the border reported having no ties or memories of Afghanistan, as many were born and raised in Pakistan after their families fled war decades ago.

According to the UN refugee agency, an estimated 3.5 million Afghans currently reside in Pakistan, with roughly 700,000 arriving post-2021 Taliban takeover. It is believed that around half of these individuals lack proper documentation. Though Pakistan has historically sheltered Afghan refugees, the government claims that the current influx poses significant national security challenges and strains public resources.

The surge in deportations is also occurring alongside increasing border skirmishes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, which Pakistan attributes to militants operating out of Afghanistan. On April 30, Pakistan plans to enforce a strict deadline for undocumented Afghans to exit the nation, extending the original cut-off date by a month in response to rising tensions.

The Torkham border crossing, where many deported Afghans have bottlenecked, has become a scene of distress. Families reported being allowed to bring very little with them, with human rights groups echoing these grievances. As they gather awaiting transport to distant provinces, many find themselves with dwindling resources under harsh conditions. The Taliban’s refugee committee has acknowledged the difficulties of managing such an influx of returnees, noting that numerous families left Afghanistan long ago and are returning to find their homes may have been destroyed in past conflicts.

Among the returnees are elderly individuals whose health issues compound the strain of their unexpected relocation. Many individuals, despite having lived their entire lives in Pakistan, are now faced with the grim reality of re-establishing themselves in a country they scarcely know, raising fears of what the future holds. The bleak reception and limited resources available highlight the broader humanitarian crisis faced by Afghanistan, which is grappling with an economy in decline and a rapidly growing population.