Islamabad 23, Apr , 2025: Afghans leave Pakistan in large numbers once again, as more than 100,000 individuals returned to their homeland in just three weeks, following Islamabad’s decision to cancel residence permits of undocumented foreigners.
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry confirmed the figures, stating that the mass movement is part of an ongoing repatriation campaign that began in 2023.
The government had initially focused on deporting undocumented Afghans those without valid identification documents. Officials say the broader aim is to enforce immigration laws and enhance internal security.
However, observers believe that the policy also aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration, which Islamabad accuses of enabling militants behind cross-border attacks.
Interior Ministry data indicated that Afghans leave Pakistan in growing numbers since the April deadline passed.
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Since then, convoys of families have been seen crossing into Afghanistan, a country still struggling with widespread humanitarian challenges.
Many of those departing have never lived in Afghanistan. One such individual, born and raised in Pakistan, expressed fear of police harassment as a reason for leaving.
Afghanistan’s Prime Minister Hasan Akhund has strongly criticised Pakistan’s unilateral actions.
Following a recent visit by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Kabul, Akhund appealed for the return process to be conducted with dignity and mutual cooperation.
Still, the exodus continues, with thousands opting to leave voluntarily rather than face forced removal.
The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, noted a sharp rise in detentions in April, reporting nearly 13,000 cases more than the total for all of last year.
The agency also raised concerns about the welfare of women and children among those forced to leave, with over half of the returnees being minors.
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Afghans leave Pakistan amid mounting frustration among local citizens who feel the long-standing refugee presence has strained job markets and public services.
As security threats escalate, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistani government maintains that stronger border enforcement is necessary.
However, human rights groups continue to call for more compassionate and coordinated repatriation efforts.
