Fri Sep 05 11:55:39 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text and written from an Indian perspective, suitable for publication in The Hindu:
**News Article:**
**Pakistan Defies UN Plea, Continues Mass Deportation of Afghan Refugees Amidst Earthquake Devastation**
*Islamabad, September 5, 2025* – Despite a fervent appeal from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to halt deportations following a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan, the Pakistani government is continuing its mass expulsion of Afghan refugees. The move, which has seen thousands crossing the Torkham border in recent days, is drawing international concern, particularly given the already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
“We decide who stays,” declared Shafqat Ali Khan, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, at a press briefing, defending Pakistan’s decision. He emphasized Pakistan’s right to control its borders, stating, “Any people with no documentation should leave. This is what Pakistan is doing and what any other country will be doing, including in Europe and other countries… it is our territory.”
The UNHCR’s plea, issued by Filippo Grandi, specifically requested a “pause” in the implementation of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” given the circumstances on the ground in Afghanistan. A major earthquake over the weekend claimed the lives of over 2,200 people (death toll has crossed 1,400 and over 3,000 injured) and devastated villages, leaving thousands homeless and vulnerable. Furthermore, a fresh 5.2 magnitude quake has hit near Kunar province.
This mass deportation compounds the crisis in Afghanistan, with the World Health Organization estimating that 270,000 returnees have recently settled in earthquake-affected districts bordering Pakistan. These areas are already struggling to cope with the existing population, let alone a sudden influx of returning refugees.
Pakistan’s stance has been criticized by humanitarian organizations, who point to the long history of Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan, dating back to the Soviet invasion and continuing through the Taliban takeover in 2021. While some Afghans have managed to find stability within Pakistan, gaining access to work and education, many now face an uncertain future.
Pakistan’s crackdown, which began in 2023 citing an uptick in violence, has targeted a total of 3 million Afghans this year, painting them as terrorists and criminals. More than 1.2 million Afghans have been forced to return from Pakistan, including 443,000 this year alone. This included an estimated 1.3 million refugees who held Proof of Registration (PoR) cards issued by the UNHCR, but were ordered to leave by September 1 or face arrest and deportation. There have been reports of police raids on guest houses where German authorities have asked them to stay while their cases are processed for relocation to Germany.
The government’s hardline stance raises concerns about the humanitarian impact on Afghanistan and the long-term stability of the region. Observers in India note the potential for increased instability along the border and the possible exacerbation of existing security challenges. The situation demands a coordinated international response, including increased humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and diplomatic efforts to persuade Pakistan to reconsider its deportation policy, particularly in light of the recent natural disaster.
First Piper 