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Pakistan‘s Forced Expulsion of Afghan Refugees
Overview
In late 2023 and early 2024, Pakistan initiated a large-scale crackdown and forced expulsion of Afghan refugees, citing national security concerns and economic strain. This action impacts millions of Afghans who have sought refuge in Pakistan over decades, notably following the Soviet-Afghan War and the recent Taliban takeover in 2021.As of October 31, 2025, the long-term consequences of this expulsion are becoming increasingly apparent, creating a humanitarian crisis and raising geopolitical concerns.
Historical Context: Decades of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Pakistan has historically been a major host country for Afghan refugees. The first significant influx occurred following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, with over 3 million Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan by the 1980s UNHCR - Pakistan: afghan Refugees. Subsequent waves arrived during the Afghan Civil War in the 1990s and, most recently, after the Taliban regained control in August 2021 Human Rights Watch – Pakistan: Mass Afghan Expulsions Risk Human Rights Violations. For decades, these refugees have lived in camps and urban areas, contributing to the Pakistani economy but also facing challenges related to integration and legal status.
Prior to the recent crackdown, Pakistan held an estimated 4.4 million registered and unregistered Afghan nationals Reuters – Pakistan says it will begin deporting illegal foreigners. The majority were unregistered, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The 2023-2024 crackdown and Expulsions
The Pakistani goverment announced its intention to deport all undocumented foreigners, including Afghan refugees, beginning in October 2023
