Introduction
In recent weeks, thousands of Afghan families in Pakistan have found themselves ensnared in a government crackdown, facing arbitrary arrests, deportations, and heightened insecurity. The campaign, driven by security concerns and political tensions, has upended lives, sparked international alarm, and reignited debates over refugee rights. This article explores the crisis, its roots, and its human cost while highlighting calls for a more compassionate approach.
Key Details: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How
- Who: Afghan refugees, including documented PoR (Proof of Registration) cardholders and undocumented individuals, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades.
- What: A three-phase government plan to deport Afghans, including raids, detentions, and forced relocations, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
- When: The crackdown escalated in early 2025, following a surge in militant attacks linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
- Where: Major cities like Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta, where Afghans form large communities.
- Why: Pakistani authorities blame Afghan nationals for fueling militancy and destabilizing the region, though critics cite political motives and bilateral tensions with Afghanistan.
- How: Police have conducted door-to-door searches, detained individuals without due process, and deported families, often separating them and seizing assets.
Human Stories: Faces of the Crisis
Salima Ahmad, an Afghan citizen living in Islamabad since 2022, described her family’s ordeal: “Police took my husband two days after our visas expired, despite proof we’d applied for renewal. They forced us into a deportation camp. I begged them to let us stay—my children were terrified.” Ahmad later bribed officials to return home temporarily but fears another raid soon.
Ikramullah Jamil, 31, born in Pakistan and a PoR holder, said, “I’ve lived here almost my whole life. Now, with vague policies, I might be deported to a country I barely know.” Many Afghans, including children born in Pakistan, lack ties to Afghanistan, where economic collapse and Taliban restrictions await.
Roots of the Crackdown
Pakistan has hosted over 1.3 million Afghan refugees for decades, but relations with Afghanistan have soured since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering the TTP, which has claimed over 500 attacks in Pakistan since 2024, killing more than 1,500 people. The government now links Afghan refugees to security threats, though the UNHCR notes most are law-abiding and urges against collective punishment.
Humanitarian Impact
- Livelihoods: Families report losing jobs, homes, and access to healthcare. Children are pulled from schools, and women face heightened risks.
- Deportations: Over 800 Afghans, including women and children, have been deported from Islamabad and Rawalpindi since January 2025. Since late 2023, more than 800,000 undocumented Afghans have been forced out, often without resources or safety guarantees.
- Trauma: Detainees describe abuse, extortion, and humiliation. “For Afghans, Pakistani police now act like the Taliban,” said Shaharzad, whose son was detained for “bribes instead of documents”.
UNHCR and Global Concerns
The UNHCR, citing a non-return advisory since 2021, warns that forced deportations risk sending Afghans to “increased harm,” including gender-based violence, poverty, and Taliban reprisals. Phillipa Chandler, UNHCR’s Pakistan head, praised Pakistan’s “generosity” but urged “human rights standards” in relocations.
Future Steps
- Policy Clarity: The UNHCR seeks details on Pakistan’s deportation plan, urging transparency and protection for vulnerable groups.
- Bilateral Dialogue: Afghanistan’s government has expressed willingness to repatriate citizens but warns mass returns could worsen its humanitarian crisis.
- International Support: Aid agencies call for funding to assist deported Afghans, 99% of whom lack food and 66% of whose children are out of school.
Conclusion
The crackdown on Afghan families in Pakistan underscores the clash between security imperatives and humanitarian duties. While Pakistan’s concerns are valid, the human toll—traumatized children, shattered families, and lives upended—demands a more nuanced approach. As one refugee pleaded, “We are not enemies. We are people seeking safety.” The world must urge Pakistan to balance security with compassion, ensuring no one is left behind in this escalating crisis.