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.