Pakistan is sending back Afghan migrants

Pakistan has expelled more than 80,000 Afghan nationals since the end of March, a senior official said, as part of a renewed crackdown targeting foreigners the government deems to be residing 'illegally' in the country.

Thousands of Afghans who have lived in Pakistan for years - some for decades - are being forced to return to a homeland they describe as unsafe, economically crippled, and socially repressive under Taliban rule.

Many cite fears over limited job prospects, insecurity, and the Taliban's ongoing restrictions on women, particularly the ban on girls' education. "I returned with no plan - only fear," said Shahbaz Khan, who recently left Peshawar after five years and is now back in Afghanistan. "Where will I work? How will my children study? Even medicine is scarce," he said.

Mr Khan originally fled to Pakistan seeking safety and job opportunities. "The lack of jobs, poverty, and insecurity left us no choice, we became refugees in Pakistan to survive," he told. Without guaranteed shelter or employment, he fears for his family's survival.

Islamabad had issued a final warning to Afghan nationals without valid documentation or those holding Afghan Citizen Cards, mandating their departure by March 31. That deadline was later extended to April 30 - but no further extensions are expected.

"This deadline is final," said Talal Chaudhry, an adviser to Pakistan's interior ministry, during a press conference in Islamabad last week.

UNHCR representative in Pakistan, Philippa Candler, noted that many long-term Afghan residents are fully embedded in their local communities. "A non-return advisory has been in place since the Taliban takeover in 2021, calling for a suspension of forced returns regardless of status," she told.

The UN refugee agency has expressed particular concern for vulnerable returnees, including women, religious minorities, journalists, artists, and human rights defenders. "We urge Pakistan to continue to provide safety for Afghans at risk," Ms Candler added.