Why Pakistan is Expelling More Than a Million Undocumented Afghan Immigrants? – A Comprehensive Analysis

Why Pakistan is Expelling More Than a Million Undocumented Afghan Immigrants? – A Comprehensive Analysis

Pakistan’s Deadline for Undocumented Foreigners to Leave Expires, Thousands Depart

KARACHI, Pakistan – Pakistan’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country expired on Thursday, with an estimated 140,000 migrants, mainly Afghans, voluntarily leaving. In preparation for the deadline, authorities had rounded up individuals and placed them in temporary holding centers.

The sudden expulsion threat came in response to suicide bombings earlier this year, which the government claimed involved Afghans, although no evidence was provided. Pakistani authorities argued that Afghan nationals were involved in attacks against the government and the army, including 14 out of the 24 suicide bombings this year. They also accused them of smuggling, other militant attacks, and petty crimes, allegations that Kabul has rejected.

Despite calls from the United Nations, rights groups, and Western embassies, Pakistan has disregarded requests to reconsider its decision. These organizations have urged Pakistan to include measures to identify and protect Afghans who may face persecution if forced to return home.

While official data has not been released, the majority of undocumented foreigners in Pakistan are believed to be Afghans, with only a few individuals from Iran and other Central Asian countries. Islamabad claims that there are over 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees in Pakistan, of which 1.7 million are undocumented. Many of these individuals have lived in Pakistan their entire lives.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, approximately 600,000 Afghans have sought refuge in neighboring Pakistan. This adds to the significant number of Afghans who have fled to Pakistan since the Soviet invasion in 1979 and subsequent civil wars.

Pakistan has stated that the deportation process will be carried out in an orderly manner, starting with those who have criminal records and proceeding in phases. Authorities have also threatened to conduct raids in areas suspected of housing undocumented foreigners after the deadline.

The Taliban-run administration in Afghanistan has dismissed Pakistan’s accusations against Afghan migrants and has called on countries hosting Afghan refugees to provide more time for repatriation preparations. They have urged countries to be tolerant and avoid forcibly deporting Afghans without proper arrangements. The administration assured Afghans who left due to political concerns that they can return and live peacefully in the country.

As the deadline passes, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact the deportation will have on both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Writing by Shivam Patel; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)