Pakistan Expels Over 80,000 Afghans Since April Amid Rising Tensions

Key Developments

• Pakistan confirms 80,000+ Afghan nationals repatriated since April 1
• No further extensions to April 30 deadline for undocumented migrants
• 60,000+ Afghans already expelled in April alone (IOM data)

Government Crackdown Intensifies

Talal Chaudhry, Interior Ministry adviser, stated:

• “No exceptions” for undocumented Afghans
• Landlords/harborers face legal action
• 1.3M UNHCR-registered Afghans must leave Islamabad/Rawalpindi

Humanitarian Crisis Looms

• IOM warns of struggling reception capacity in Afghanistan
• Returnees face housing shortages, unemployment
• Rights groups condemn “forced deportations”, especially for women/children

Security vs. Human Rights

Pakistan’s Stance:
✔ Claims security threats from undocumented migrants
✔ Built temporary holding centers near borders
✔ Focuses on Torkham crossing (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Afghanistan’s Response:
✖ Rejects “politically motivated” expulsion claims
✖ Criticizes lack of protection for long-term residents

Voices from the Ground

Akber Khan, 50-year Peshawar resident:
“My family married, died, and lived here. We have no home but Pakistan.”

Abdullah Khan, security analyst:
“Border fencing won’t stop cyclical returns via smuggling routes.”

Diplomatic Talks Ahead

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visits Kabul Saturday to discuss:

• Security cooperation
• Trade/connectivity
• Migrant rights