Pakistan Expels Over 80,000 Afghan Nationals Amid Worsening Security and Economic Conditions in Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's government has expelled over 80,000 Afghan nationals since March, forcing thousands of families to return to Afghanistan despite concerns over their safety and economic prospects. The crackdown, aimed at Afghans deemed to be living "illegally" in the country, has left many without guaranteed shelter or employment, sparking fears for their survival. Afghan refugees who have lived in Pakistan for years, some for decades, cite limited job prospects, insecurity, and the Taliban's restrictions on women, particularly the ban on girls' education, as reasons for their reluctance to return.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 80,000 Afghan nationals have been expelled from Pakistan since March, with thousands more reportedly awaiting deportation.
  • Many Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan for years, some for decades, and are deeply embedded in their local communities.
  • The Taliban's ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade is a major concern for families, with many warning of dire consequences for women and girls.
  • The true number of undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan remains unknown, with inconsistent enforcement and loopholes in the system.
  • The UN refugee agency has expressed concern for vulnerable returnees, including women, religious minorities, journalists, artists, and human rights defenders.
  • Pakistani authorities fear mass expulsions could destabilise Afghan communities or trigger unrest, particularly in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • The repatriation rate has slowed compared to previous policy phases, with local authorities in key provinces remaining hesitant to fully implement expulsion orders.
  • International pressure, including from human rights groups and aid agencies, has urged Pakistan to reconsider its policy and provide safety for Afghans at risk.

Statistics:

  • Over 35,000 Afghans have crossed back into Afghanistan via the Torkham crossing in the north-west since April, a marked drop compared to the mass exodus seen in late 2023.
  • The UN refugee agency has expressed particular concern for vulnerable returnees, including women, religious minorities, journalists, artists, and human rights defenders.
  • The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hosts the majority of Pakistan's Afghan population, with many families having lived there for decades and becoming deeply integrated into local communities.
  • The Pakistani government has set up temporary holding centres in various cities to shelter Afghans before they are transferred to the Torkham crossing.
  • Since April, more than 80,000 Afghan nationals have been deported from Pakistan.

Sources:

  • Abdul Ghani, "Pakistan expels over 80,000 Afghans since March amid worsening security and economic conditions" (2023).
  • Abdullah Khan, Managing Director, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, "Afghans can never be completely repatriated, especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" (2023).
  • Ajab Gul, Afghan returnee, "We didn't want to go, we are leaving under duress" (2023).
  • Jannat Gul, Afghan returnee, "Our children's education has been destroyed, we are going back but we have no contacts, no connections" (2023).
  • Philippa Candler, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, "A non-return advisory has been in place since the Taliban takeover in 2021, calling for a suspension of forced returns regardless of status" (2023).
  • Suze van Meegen, Interim Country Director, Norwegian Refugee Council in Afghanistan, "Women and girls will again fall to the very bottom of family priorities" (2023).