Fri Apr 18 13:44:23 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Completes Mass Repatriation of Afghan Nationals Amidst International Criticism
**ISLAMABAD** – Pakistan has concluded a large-scale repatriation of over 80,000 Afghan nationals, concluding a controversial initiative that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and international organizations. The repatriation, part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan launched late last year, concluded on April 30th, with Pakistani officials stating there will be no further extensions. The move has been labelled “forced deportation” by Afghanistan.
The operation targeted Afghans lacking valid documents or Afghan Citizen Cards, with an initial deadline of March 31st later extended by a month. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that nearly 60,000 Afghans were expelled since the start of April, adding to the growing concerns about the humanitarian consequences. The IOM’s Afghanistan mission head, Mihyung Park, highlighted the rapidly increasing needs at the border and in Afghan areas struggling to absorb the returning population.
Over 1.3 million Afghans holding Proof of Registration cards from the UNHCR have also been ordered to relocate from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This mass movement, coupled with the forced repatriations, threatens to uproot Afghan families with decades-long ties to Pakistan. Many long-term residents, like Akber Khan, a Peshawar restaurant owner who has lived in Pakistan for nearly 50 years, face displacement despite deep roots in the country.
The Pakistani government, however, insists the crackdown targets only those without legal authorization, citing national security concerns. They have established temporary holding centers to process and transport the returnees, primarily to the Torkham border crossing. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Kabul for high-level talks with the Taliban government, covering various aspects of bilateral relations, including the repatriation issue.
Despite the government’s claims, human rights groups have raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of those being expelled, particularly women and children who may face risks upon return. The repatriation’s effectiveness is also questioned, with experts suggesting that Afghans will continue to return through illegal channels due to strong ties and historical presence, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Kabul rejects Pakistan’s accusations linking Afghan refugees to security threats, characterizing the campaign as politically motivated. The situation remains tense as the long-term consequences of this mass repatriation unfold.
First Piper 