### Pakistan's Mass Deportation of Afghan Nationals: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds In a significant escalation of its repatriation efforts, Pakistan has recently deported thousands of Afghan nationals, including those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and undocumented migrants. This move follows a government directive that mandated all Afghan nationals without proper documentation to leave the country by March 31, 2025. The situation has raised serious humanitarian concerns, as many of those deported face dire conditions upon their return to Afghanistan. - As of April 14, 2025, **1,458 Afghan nationals with citizen cards** were deported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside **2,656 undocumented migrants** [https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-1458-afghan-nationals-holding-citizen-cards-deported-from-khyber-pakhtunkhwa/2589019]. - The deportation campaign has intensified since the expiration of the voluntary return deadline, with reports indicating that **over 11,000 Afghan refugees** have been expelled since April 1, 2025 [https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-deports-over-11000-afghan-refugees-since-april-1-says-minister/2585330]. ### Structure of the Deportation Campaign and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Deportation Initiative** - Pakistan's government initiated a crackdown on Afghan nationals, particularly targeting those without legal documentation, as part of its **Illegal Foreigners Return Program (IFRP)** launched in November 2023 [https://asiatimes.com/2025/04/pakistan-mercilessly-removing-its-afghan-refugee-crisis]. - The government set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for Afghan nationals to leave voluntarily, after which deportations would commence [https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-deports-over-8000-afghan-refugees/2584339]. 2. **Scale of Deportations** - Reports indicate that **over 8,000 Afghan nationals** were expelled in a single week leading up to the deadline, with the total number of deportations exceeding **11,371** since the start of April [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/04/09/pakistan-forcibly-deports-over-11371-afghan-refugees-crackdown-continues]. - The deportation process has been described as systematic, with temporary centers established to process and transport deportees to the Torkham border [https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/pakistan-expels-thousands-afghan-nationals-fresh-drive-says-unhcr-1111151]. 3. **International and Domestic Reactions** - The Afghan Taliban government has condemned the deportations, labeling them as unacceptable and urging Pakistan to allow Afghans to return voluntarily [https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-ramps-up-deportation-of-afghan-refugees-taliban-opposes-deportation-8945828]. - Humanitarian organizations, including the UNHCR, have expressed concerns over the treatment of deported individuals and the potential humanitarian crisis that could ensue [https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-expels-thousands-afghan-nationals-fresh-drive-says-unhcr-2025-04-08]. ### Evidence of the Humanitarian Impact - **Deportation Statistics**: - **Total deported since April 1, 2025**: **11,371** [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/04/09/pakistan-forcibly-deports-over-11371-afghan-refugees-crackdown-continues]. - **Deportations on April 12 alone**: **3,000** [https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-deports-over-3000-afghan-refugees-via-torkham-border/2587969]. - **Total deported since November 2023**: **over 800,000** [https://asiatimes.com/2025/04/pakistan-mercilessly-removing-its-afghan-refugee-crisis]. ### Conclusion: A Growing Humanitarian Crisis The ongoing deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan represents a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands being forcibly returned to a country facing its own challenges. The Pakistani government's stringent measures, while framed as necessary for national security, have drawn widespread criticism from international organizations and the Afghan government. 1. **Urgent Need for Humanitarian Assistance**: The situation calls for immediate international attention and support for the returning Afghan nationals. 2. **Potential for Escalation**: Continued deportations could exacerbate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, further complicating regional stability. 3. **Call for Policy Reevaluation**: There is a pressing need for a reevaluation of the policies governing Afghan refugees in Pakistan to ensure their safety and dignity. The unfolding events highlight the delicate balance between national security and humanitarian obligations, necessitating a thoughtful response from both the Pakistani government and the international community.