ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has expelled more than 270 Afghan refugees to Afghanistan in a single day, the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees reported. The group, including 53 families, crossed into Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing.
This expulsion is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to deport Afghan refugees, whom Islamabad claims pose security risks. This has heightened fears among the Afghan community about the dangers of returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
“The government of Pakistan has timely commenced the second phase of deportations,” a Pakistani official stated.
Many Afghan refugees have criticized the fairness of these actions. “Pakistan’s approach to Afghan migrants is alarming,” said Suraya Hossieni, an Afghan refugee. “We sought safety here due to Taliban threats, but now we face expulsion. International human rights groups need to intervene.”
The implications of these deportations are profound, according to Habiba Farzan, another refugee. “The continuation of this policy threatens thousands with insecurity upon their return to Afghanistan, and our children’s education is at risk.”
Refugees have appealed to the international community to compel Pakistan to cease these expulsions. “Pakistan’s treatment of Afghan migrants breaches international human rights and migration laws,” stated Ali Reza Karimi, a refugee activist. “The United Nations and other agencies must act to safeguard these individuals.”
The current phase of deportations targets undocumented migrants and those holding Afghan Citizen Cards, approximately one million people. During the initial phase, Pakistan deported nearly 600,000 Afghan migrants, a move that, according to UN agencies, has exacerbated poverty levels.
Pakistan alleges these refugees have been involved in security incidents in collaboration with the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claims the Afghan community consistently denies.
