Thousands of Afghan refugees returned to a struggling homeland as Pakistan enforces strict immigration policies, sparking humanitarian concerns.
Pakistan deported more than 13,000 Afghan refugees over the weekend, continuing a sweeping crackdown on migrants from its western neighbor. Authorities sent at least 6,000 people back to Afghanistan on Saturday November 15, 2025, followed by 7,700 more on Sunday November 16, 2025, including women, children, journalists, and former security personnel.
The mass deportations are part of a controversial policy introduced in October 2025, requiring all undocumented foreigners — estimated at 1.7 million, predominantly Afghans — to leave voluntarily or face arrest. Special police units have been deployed in major cities, including Karachi and Rawalpindi, to identify and detain undocumented migrants.
Government officials justify the expulsions on national security grounds, alleging some Afghan nationals were linked to recent terrorist attacks. However, human rights organizations have criticized the move, arguing it violates international law and collectively punishes vulnerable populations.
“The deportees face an uncertain future,” said an official from a humanitarian aid agency. “Transit camps in Afghanistan are already overcrowded, and the Taliban struggles to provide adequate shelter, food, and medical care for those returning.”
Read Also: Pakistan Afghanistan Ceasefire: Minister Warns Of “Open War”
The large influx of returnees compounds an existing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where decades of conflict, political instability, and economic hardship have left millions dependent on international aid.
Pakistan itself is grappling with severe economic challenges, high unemployment, and the aftermath of recent natural disasters, factors that have intensified public scrutiny of migrant communities.
The crackdown in Pakistan coincides with Germany’s efforts to limit Afghan asylum arrivals, highlighting growing international tension over refugee resettlement. Berlin is reportedly offering stranded Afghans thousands of euros to remain in Pakistan rather than travel to Germany. According to the German newspaper Die Welt, Afghan migrants are being offered €10,000 ($11.500), as a “starter bonus” and an additional €2,500 ($2,800), to facilitate voluntary return to Afghanistan.
While Pakistan defends its policy as necessary for national security and order, aid groups warn of severe consequences for families caught in the sweep. Many returnees now face limited shelter, scarce resources, and heightened vulnerability in a country already struggling under the Taliban administration.
Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent international support to prevent further suffering, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated solutions to address both the migrants’ safety and the broader regional crisis.
