The International Organization for Migration said on Tuesday that more than 8,000 undocumented Afghan migrants, including holders of Afghanistan Citizen Cards (ACC), were deported from Pakistan over the past two days.
In a post on its official X account, IOM Afghanistan said 8,025 individuals crossed back into Afghanistan through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings. Of those, 2,614 received immediate assistance from IOM and partner organizations.
The agency warned that deportations are expected to increase in the coming days and said it is prepared to expand its operations at major border points. However, it emphasized that additional funding is urgently needed to meet rising humanitarian needs and address the growing vulnerabilities of returnees.
The sharp increase in deportations follows the Pakistani government’s decision to intensify its crackdown on undocumented migrants starting April 1, part of a broader effort that has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
Video footage obtained by Amu shows Afghan migrants held in custody in Pakistan describing poor conditions, including a lack of access to food, drinking water, and medical care. Among the detainees are women and children, according to reports.
Pakistan began mass deportations of undocumented Afghan nationals in late 2023, citing security concerns. Since then, tens of thousands have returned to Afghanistan, where many face limited access to shelter, livelihoods, and basic services.
