Pakistan Deports​ Thousands of Afghans ​Amid Crackdown

Pakistan has deported approximately⁤ 26,000 Afghans, according to ‍the UNHCR, as part of an ongoing effort ⁤targeting individuals without valid residency permits.

Authorities in Pakistan had initially set a deadline at the end of March for Afghans lacking proper documentation to voluntarily leave ​the country. Following this deadline, in April, Pakistani officials began detaining Afghans and transferring them to deportation centers.

The long-term plan involves deporting an estimated three⁤ million Afghans, according to Pakistani authorities.

For decades, Pakistan has served as a refuge for afghans fleeing conflict and instability in ‍thier homeland. The influx of Afghan refugees increased significantly ​in 2021 after the Taliban seized control in⁤ Afghanistan.

Pakistan initiated a mass deportation program targeting unregistered Afghan refugees at the end of 2023. official figures indicate that nearly 900,000‌ Afghans have left Pakistan since the start of ⁤this campaign.

While⁢ the deportation campaign initially focused on unregistered refugees, Islamabad has as announced intentions to deport registered⁤ Afghan refugees in the future.