Deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan

In October 2023, the government of Pakistan announced a plan to deport foreign nationals who either did not have valid visas or had overstayed their visa for more than one year. The mass deportations primarily affected those Afghans who had no legal documents to be in Pakistan. There were an estimated 3.8 million Afghans in Pakistan at the time the deportation order was announced, according to the United Nations, while Pakistani authorities believed the number to be as high as 4.4 million.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=Pakistan issues final warning to illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily before the November 1 deadline. |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-refugees-return-home-pakistan-deportations/32654636.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Munir |title=Pakistan announces big crackdown on migrants in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-announces-big-crackdown-migrants-country-illegally-including-103689458 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=ABC News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Can Pakistan deport 1.7 million Afghan refugees? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/can-pakistan-deport-17-million-afghan-refugees/a-66995120 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=dw.com |language=en}} Afghans accounted for 98% of the foreign nationals in Pakistan.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=As Pakistan deports refugees, tense Afghanistan ties come in sharp focus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/7/as-pakistan-deports-refugees-tense-afghanistan-ties-come-in-sharp-focus |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |quote=According to the Pakistani government, there were about 4 million foreigners in the country before October 31, nearly 3.8 million of them Afghans. Of those, it says, only 2.2 million Afghans carry a government-approved document that makes them eligible to stay. |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107232120/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/7/as-pakistan-deports-refugees-tense-afghanistan-ties-come-in-sharp-focus |url-status=live }} By January 2025, over 813,300 individuals had been repatriated to Afghanistan.{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-192291 |date=2025-01-16 |title=UNHCR: 783,900 Migrants Returned from Pakistan Over Past Year |access-date=2025-01-26 |work=TOLOnews}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-16 |title=Pakistan-Afghanistan: Returns Emergency Response (as of 14 January 2025) |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/pakistan-afghanistan-returns-emergency-response-14-january-2025 |access-date=2025-01-21 |website=reliefweb.int |language=en}}

The government cited increasing crime and violence, including suicide attacks, as the motivation for the mass deportations. However, outside observers noted there were likely also political reasons for the sudden deportations, for example that the Pakistan Army hoped to pressure the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan into a more cooperative foreign policy.{{Cite news |title=Pakistan PM says expulsion of Afghans a response to Taliban non-cooperation |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-pm-says-expulsion-afghans-response-taliban-non-cooperation-2023-11-08/ |date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-08 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108162934/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-pm-says-expulsion-afghans-response-taliban-non-cooperation-2023-11-08/ |url-status=live }} Some also argued that Pakistan is instituting collective punishment against Afghans and Afghan immigrants were being scapegoated for Pakistan's economic crisis.{{Cite news |title=Pakistan expels undocumented Afghans. But at what price? |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/10/12/pakistan-expels-undocumented-afghans-but-at-what-price |access-date=2023-11-07 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106192451/https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/10/12/pakistan-expels-undocumented-afghans-but-at-what-price |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |date=2023-11-01 |title=Why Is Pakistan Expelling 1.7 Million Afghans? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/01/pakistan-deports-million-afghans-undocumented-migrants/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103215140/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/01/pakistan-deports-million-afghans-undocumented-migrants/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Forced expulsion |work=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1787440 |date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-08 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108163353/https://www.dawn.com/news/1787440 |url-status=live }}

Background

Afghan migration to Pakistan dates back to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which led to over three million Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan.{{cite book | chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | doi=10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | chapter=Afghan Migration and Pakistan's Policy Response: Dynamics of Continuity and Change | title=Public Policy Research in the Global South | date=2019 | last1=Ghosh | first1=Anwesha | pages=215–230 | isbn=978-3-030-06060-2 | s2cid=159051369 | access-date=7 October 2023 | archive-date=9 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009172350/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | url-status=live }} Significant waves of Afghan refugees also came to Pakistan after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and in 2021 when the Taliban returned to power following the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.{{Cite web |date=1 November 2023 |title=Hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants face deportation from Pakistan |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-afghanistan-migrant-deportations-rcna122918 |website=NBC News |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106120009/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-afghanistan-migrant-deportations-rcna122918 |url-status=live }} While some have returned home, around 4.4 million Afghan nationals, both documented and undocumented, remained in Pakistan in October 2023 according to government figures. Many were born and raised in Pakistan and have never been to Afghanistan.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title='Where do I go back to?': Expelled Afghans battle chaos at Pakistan border |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/where-do-i-go-back-to-expelled-afghans-battle-chaos-at-pakistan-border |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103153357/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/where-do-i-go-back-to-expelled-afghans-battle-chaos-at-pakistan-border |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Yeung |first=Sophia Saifi, Jessie |date=3 November 2023 |title='There is no school for girls': Afghans who fled to Pakistan sent back to a homeland that is foreign to many |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/pakistan-expels-afghanistan-migrants-hnk-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103184145/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/pakistan-expels-afghanistan-migrants-hnk-intl/index.html |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}} The government claimed around 1.7 million were without visas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants|title=Pakistan says it will deport 1.7m Afghans and all other 'illegal immigrants'|date=6 October 2023|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007125156/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants|url-status=live}}

The government stated the deportations were a response to an increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Pakistani officials said there have been 24 suicide bombings since January, 14 of which were carried out by Afghan nationals.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-orders-all-illegal-immigrants-leave-after-suicide-bombings-2023-10-03/|title=Pakistan orders illegal immigrants, including 1.73 mln Afghans, to leave|first1=Asif|last1=Shahzad|newspaper=Reuters|date=3 October 2023|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=2 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102194101/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-orders-all-illegal-immigrants-leave-after-suicide-bombings-2023-10-03/|url-status=live}} Eight of the 11 militants who recently attacked two Pakistani military installations in southwestern Balochistan province were Afghans.{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|title=Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans|date=3 October 2023|website=Voice of America|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006210629/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|url-status=live}} The Pakistani government attributes this surge in violence to the Afghan Taliban providing safe harbor to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) which have organised several of these attacks.

On 3 October 2023, in a high committee meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, all foreign nationals residing illegally in the country have to voluntarily leave the country or face deportation by 31 October.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends|title=Govt launches action against Illegal immigrants as deadline ends|date=1 November 2023|website=The Nation|access-date=6 November 2023|archive-date=6 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106225133/https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=Undocumented 'aliens' given 28 days to leave |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1779210 |work=DAWN |date=4 October 2023 |language=en |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106072322/https://www.dawn.com/news/1779210 |url-status=live }} During this time, 100,000–165,000 Afghans voluntarily left Pakistan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/thousands-of-afghan-refugees-fleeing-pakistan-as-deportation-deadline-looms|title=Thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing Pakistan as deportation deadline looms|first=Abid|last=Hussain|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104171128/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/thousands-of-afghan-refugees-fleeing-pakistan-as-deportation-deadline-looms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=2 November 2023 |title=More than 165,000 Afghans flee Pakistan after deportation order |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231102-more-than-165-000-afghans-flee-pakistan-in-a-month-after-govt-order |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104083418/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231102-more-than-165-000-afghans-flee-pakistan-in-a-month-after-govt-order |url-status=live }} Sarfraz Bugti, the interim Interior Minister, disclosed that a significant portion of suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were orchestrated by Afghan citizens.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans|title=Why is Pakistan planning to deport undocumented Afghans?|first=Abid|last=Hussain|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008055159/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans|url-status=live}}

Logistics

On 1 November, the Ministry of Interior issued instructions to all provinces to deport illegal aliens under the Foreigners Act, 1946.{{Cite web |title=Govt initiates nationwide operation to deport illegal foreign nationals |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/01-11-2023/govt-initiates-nationwide-operation-to-deport-illegal-foreign-nationals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103055616/https://radio.gov.pk/01-11-2023/govt-initiates-nationwide-operation-to-deport-illegal-foreign-nationals |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=www.radio.gov.pk}} The government deployed law enforcement officials across the country.{{cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/govt-starts-nationwide-operation-against-illegal-immigrants/ar-AA1jggIW |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105191559/https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/govt-starts-nationwide-operation-against-illegal-immigrants/ar-AA1jggIW |archive-date=5 November 2023 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=MSN}} It also launched a phone hotline for people to inform on undocumented immigrants.{{Cite web |title=Ministry of Interior establishes dedicated helpline for complaints against illegal immigrants |url=https://timesofkarachi.pkarticle/ministry-of-interior-establishes-dedicated-helpline-for-complaints-against-illegal-immigrants/2688 |website=Times of Karachi }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The Ministry of Interior has established 49 holding areas throughout the country to detain undocumented immigrants. These holding centers have been set up in all 36 districts of Punjab, three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Peshawar, Haripur and Khyber districts, two in Sindh: Kemari and Malir districts and three in Balochistan: Quetta, Chagai and Pishin districts. One holding center has also been established in the federal capital Islamabad and Gilgit.{{Cite web |title=Comprehensive plan finalized for repatriation of illegal foreigners |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105191600/https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals |archive-date=5 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=www.radio.gov.pk}}

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti directed authorities and agencies to treat undocumented migrants with respect while they are detained,{{cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Officials must be respectful with undocumented immigrants, directs Bugti |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/31/official-must-be-respectful-with-undocumented-immigrants-directs-bugti/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106160826/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/31/official-must-be-respectful-with-undocumented-immigrants-directs-bugti/ |url-status=live }} but also threatened anyone involved in aiding, harboring, or renting a home to an undocumented immigrant with prosecution. He urged Pakistani citizens to inform the government about illegal immigrants and their residences.{{cite web |title=Pakistan to Expel over a Million Illegal Migrants After November 1. Here's Why |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-to-expel-over-a-million-illegal-migrants-after-november-1-heres-why-4533119 |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106161459/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-to-expel-over-a-million-illegal-migrants-after-november-1-heres-why-4533119 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=November 2023 |title=Govt launches action against Illegal immigrants as deadline ends |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106225133/https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends |url-status=live }}

Deportation

There have been numerous reports of both undocumented Afghans and Afghans who have refugee status being targeted by police amidst the campaign:{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=1 November 2023 |title=Pakistan starts mass deportation of undocumented Afghans |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/pakistan-starts-mass-deportation-of-undocumented-afghans |access-date=4 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104050549/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/pakistan-starts-mass-deportation-of-undocumented-afghans |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Pakistan's expulsion order deepens the Afghan crisis |url=https://www.ft.com/content/827815dd-3d5e-4b7f-87f2-363f70fdca2d |website=Financial Times |access-date=15 November 2023 |date=12 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115113710/https://www.ft.com/content/827815dd-3d5e-4b7f-87f2-363f70fdca2d |url-status=live }} and around {{Currency|4 billion|USD|passthrough=yes|linked=no}} in Afghan-owned properties and other assets have reportedly been seized by Pakistan's government.{{Cite web |date=4 November 2023 |title=Assets Worth $4Bn of Afghans Has Been Confiscated, Says Pak-Afg Joint Chamber of Commerce |url=https://www.afintl.com/en/202311038341 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Afghanistan International |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104095735/https://www.afintl.com/en/202311038341 |url-status=live }}

In an effort to regulate illegal immigration, Pakistan is implementing the "One Document Regime" (ODR). This policy mandates all foreign nationals, including Afghans, to possess a valid visa for travel to the country. The ODR, already operational at the Torkham border crossing, is a significant step in controlling the movement of people and goods across the border.{{cite web | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271640 | title=Country to implement ODR to check illegal immigration | date=4 November 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104175601/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271640 | url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438819/pakistan-to-introduce-single-document-regime-for-afghan-travelers|title=Pakistan to introduce '1-document regime' for Afghan travelers|date=2 October 2023|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105191703/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438819/pakistan-to-introduce-single-document-regime-for-afghan-travelers|url-status=live}}

As of 5 November 2023, according to Pakistani border officials, 174,358 Afghan nationals in total left for Afghanistan since 17 September 2023.{{cite news |last1=Farooq |first1=Umer |title=Over 170,000 Afghans left Pakistan since Sept 17: officials |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1786812/over-170000-afghans-left-pakistan-since-sept-17-officials |work=DAWN |date=6 November 2023 |language=en |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107091413/https://www.dawn.com/news/1786812/over-170000-afghans-left-pakistan-since-sept-17-officials |url-status=live }}

=Balochistan=

To accelerate the deportation process, additional crossing points have been established in Qila Saifullah, Qameruddin Karez, and Baracha Noor Wahab in the Chagai district by the authorities in Balochistan. These steps are designed to aid Afghan and Iranian Baloch immigrants in adhering to the 31 October deadline.{{Cite web|url=https://globalpoliticsnews.com/more-crossings-opened-to-speed-up-deportation-drive/|title=More crossings opened to speed up deportation drive|website=Globalpoliticsnews|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104184544/https://globalpoliticsnews.com/more-crossings-opened-to-speed-up-deportation-drive/|url-status=live}}

=Islamabad=

The Islamabad police has finished the process of marking the locations of Afghan individuals residing in various areas of the federal capital. Additionally, a survey regarding the properties owned by Afghan nationals is currently in progress.{{Cite web|url=https://arynews.tv/islamabad-police-complete-geo-tagging-of-afghan-nationals/|title=Islamabad police complete geo-tagging of Afghan nationals|first=Web|last=Desk|date=7 October 2023|website=ARY NEWS|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008014049/https://arynews.tv/islamabad-police-complete-geo-tagging-of-afghan-nationals/|url-status=live}}

Afghans who failed to leave the country were detained in nationwide sweeps and had their illegal mud-brick houses on the outskirts of the capital Islamabad demolished.{{cite news | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-03/pakistan-crackdown-illegal-immigrants-afghanistan-deport-taliban/103061000 | title=Pakistan demolishes homes, raids neighbourhoods under crackdown to force millions of Afghans to leave | newspaper=ABC News | date=3 November 2023 | access-date=6 November 2023 | archive-date=6 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106163937/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-03/pakistan-crackdown-illegal-immigrants-afghanistan-deport-taliban/103061000 | url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Afghans Refugee Homes Demolished In Islamabad Ahead Of Deadline To Leave Pakistan |date=1 November 2023 |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-afghanistan-refugees-homes-demolished/32665366.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103170724/https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-afghanistan-refugees-homes-demolished/32665366.html |url-status=live }}

On 7 March 2025, Pakistan's interior ministry ordered all undocumented foreigners and Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave by 31 March or face deportation from April onwards.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan asks illegal foreigners, Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave by March 3 |work=Reuters |date=7 March 2025 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-asks-illegal-foreigners-afghan-citizen-card-holders-leave-by-march-31-2025-03-07/}}

=Punjab=

After the deadline expired, a deportation operation for illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans, was launched across Punjab. The plan, finalized by Punjab's Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, began its phased evacuation of illegal immigrants on 3 November.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271251|title=Eviction of illegal foreign nationals begins in Punjab|first=Recorder|last=Report|date=2 November 2023|website=Brecorder|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104182333/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271251|url-status=live}} The operation spans multiple divisions within Punjab, such as Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271040|title=Evacuation of illegal foreign nationals: IGP Punjab announces plan|first=Recorder|last=Report|date=1 November 2023|website=Brecorder|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105125556/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271040|url-status=live}} Small number of Pakistani citizens have also been wrongfully arrested and detained as Afghan citizens.{{Cite news |title=Seven Pakistanis escape 'deportation' to Afghanistan |work=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1790774/seven-pakistanis-escape-deportation-to-afghanistan |date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-20 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120102245/https://www.dawn.com/news/1790774/seven-pakistanis-escape-deportation-to-afghanistan |url-status=live }}

=Sindh=

The Caretaker Cabinet of Sindh has decided to allocate 4.5 billion rupees for the repatriation of illegal immigrants. This amount was required for the repatriation of illegal aliens from Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Mirpurkhas divisions. The cabinet approved funds beyond the budget allocation.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444080/cabinet-allocates-rs45b-for-repatriation-of-illegal-aliens|title=Cabinet allocates Rs4.5b for repatriation of illegal aliens|date=1 November 2023|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105192111/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444080/cabinet-allocates-rs45b-for-repatriation-of-illegal-aliens|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/caretaker-cabinet-approves-funds-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners|title=Caretaker cabinet approves funds for repatriation of illegal foreigners|date=1 November 2023|website=The Nation|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104163906/https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/caretaker-cabinet-approves-funds-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners|url-status=live}}

Criticism

In November 2023, Pakistan imposed an $830 (£660) exit fee on Afghan refugees and illegal immigrants.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-24 |title=Pakistan imposes $830 (£660) exit fee on Afghan refugees and illegal immigrants |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-imposes-an-830-exit-fee-on-afghan-refugees-and-illegal-immigrants/articleshow/105474379.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-11-24 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124151946/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-imposes-an-830-exit-fee-on-afghan-refugees-and-illegal-immigrants/articleshow/105474379.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} The "unprecedented" action targets refugees who are waiting to leave Pakistan for western nations as part of resettlement programs. The United Nations and Western diplomats have denounced as "shocking and frustrating" Pakistan's move to charge hundreds of dollars in exit fees to each Afghan refugee who fled the Taliban's persecution.{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=2023-11-22 |title=Pakistan under fire for 'shocking' $830 exit fee for refugees who fled Taliban |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/22/pakistan-under-fire-for-shocking-830-exit-fee-for-refugees-who-fled-taliban |access-date=2023-11-24 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124151822/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/22/pakistan-under-fire-for-shocking-830-exit-fee-for-refugees-who-fled-taliban |url-status=live }}

The BBC was informed by the UNHCR that it is working to "resolve the issue". "We are urging the government to waive these obligations for refugees. Pakistani laws, like the immigration laws in other countries including the United Kingdom, have fines and punishments for individuals who overstay their visas or are in violation of immigration laws," a spokesman for the nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-23 |title=Pakistan charging refugees $830 to leave |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67512576 |access-date=2023-11-24 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124151945/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67512576 |url-status=live }}

Reactions

= Afghan government =

The Taliban-led government has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan's move to deport Afghans residing in the country without permission, urging the Pakistani government to reconsider its decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/4/pakistans-plan-to-evict-thousands-of-afghans-unacceptable-says-taliban|title=Pakistan's plan to evict thousands of Afghans 'unacceptable', says Taliban|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008073813/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/4/pakistans-plan-to-evict-thousands-of-afghans-unacceptable-says-taliban|url-status=live}}

= International organizations =

The ongoing mass deportation has been condemned by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, with the latter calling on Pakistan to halt the deportations while also calling on Western countries to immediately expediate the immigration process for those Afghans in Pakistan who are deemed to be "particularly at risk" if they are sent to Afghanistan.{{Cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Afghans Detained, Face Deportation {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/31/pakistan-afghans-detained-face-deportation |access-date=4 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104103222/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/31/pakistan-afghans-detained-face-deportation |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Drop Threat to Deport Afghans {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/pakistan-drop-threat-deport-afghans |access-date=4 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103063857/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/pakistan-drop-threat-deport-afghans |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=3 November 2023 |title=Afghans in Pakistan seeking resettlement in Canada fear being deported back to Afghanistan |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-afghans-in-pakistan-seeking-resettlement-in-canada-fear-being-deported/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104004058/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-afghans-in-pakistan-seeking-resettlement-in-canada-fear-being-deported/ |url-status=live }}

Amnesty International urged the reversal of the decision and condemned Pakistan's authorities for "arbitrarily arresting and harassing" Afghans living in the country.{{Cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Decision on forced returns of Afghan refugees must be reversed immediately |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-decision-on-forced-returns-of-afghan-refugees-must-be-reversed-immediately/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103222321/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-decision-on-forced-returns-of-afghan-refugees-must-be-reversed-immediately/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=4 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Government must not deport Afghan Refugees |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-government-must-not-deport-afghan-refugees/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021172114/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-government-must-not-deport-afghan-refugees/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=RFE/RL |title=Amnesty International Flags Pakistan Over Treatment Of Afghan Refugees |language=en |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-amnesty-afghan-refugees-treatment/32466949.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801040815/https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-amnesty-afghan-refugees-treatment/32466949.html |url-status=live }} The expulsions have further inflamed bilateral tensions with the Taliban government, which has criticized Pakistan's actions and urged the Pakistani government to "give more time" to Afghans leaving the country.{{Cite web |title=Taliban urges Pakistan to grant more time for undocumented Afghans to leave |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/taliban-urges-pakistan-to-grant-more-time-for-undocumented-afghans-to-leave |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104083411/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/taliban-urges-pakistan-to-grant-more-time-for-undocumented-afghans-to-leave |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Kabul rejects deportation policy amid Pakistan resolve |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1116052-decision-on-illegal-immigrants-causes-pak-afghan-tension |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007121642/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1116052-decision-on-illegal-immigrants-causes-pak-afghan-tension |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=www.thenews.com.pk}}

The United Nations and international human rights organizations have raised alarms about Pakistan's intentions to remove Afghan individuals who entered the country illegally. They emphasize that a significant number, including those who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, are at risk of being deported.{{Cite web |date=28 September 2023 |title=Pakistan's Plan to Expel Illegal Afghan Migrants Alarms UN |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-plan-to-expel-illegal-afghan-migrants-alarms-un-/7289190.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007152148/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-plan-to-expel-illegal-afghan-migrants-alarms-un-/7289190.html |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=VOA}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-urge-pakistan-not-to-evict-afghan-immigrants-/7296178.html|title=Taliban, Rights Groups Decry Pakistan's Decision to Evict Afghan Immigrants|date=4 October 2023|website=VOA|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001858/https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-urge-pakistan-not-to-evict-afghan-immigrants-/7296178.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|title=Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans|date=3 October 2023|website=VOA|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006210629/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|url-status=live}}

=Pakistani government=

Pakistan's caretaker government has stated that there will be no extension of the deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country,{{cite web | url=https://efe.com/en/latest-news/2023-10-26/pakistan-says-will-not-extend-deadline-for-illegal-immigrants-to-leave/ | title=Pakistan says will not extend deadline for illegal immigrants to leave | date=26 October 2023 | access-date=6 November 2023 | archive-date=6 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106162657/https://efe.com/en/latest-news/2023-10-26/pakistan-says-will-not-extend-deadline-for-illegal-immigrants-to-leave/ | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-wont-extend-deadline-for-expelling-illegal-immigrants-interior-minister/ | title=Pakistan won't extend deadline for expelling illegal immigrants: Interior Minister | newspaper=Khaama Press | date=26 October 2023 | access-date=6 November 2023 | archive-date=7 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107232124/https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-wont-extend-deadline-for-expelling-illegal-immigrants-interior-minister/ | url-status=live }} and claimed that the deportation is in line with international law.{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | title='Illegal foreigners repatriation compliant with int'l norms' | access-date=4 November 2023 | archive-date=3 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103091411/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | url-status=live }}

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar said that the government's repatriation policy is not exclusive to Afghan nationals, but applies to all illegal immigrants in Pakistan. He stated that despite not being a signatory to the Geneva Convention, Pakistan has hosted over 4 million Afghan refugees for the past 40 years. He said that while not all Afghans are involved in illegal activities, significant groups contribute to the problem.{{cite web | url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/30/deportation-process-applies-to-all-illegal-aliens-kakar/ | title=Deportation process applies to all illegal 'aliens': Kakar | date=30 October 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104181309/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/30/deportation-process-applies-to-all-illegal-aliens-kakar/ | url-status=live }}

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that the operation is not aimed at any particular nationality and the repatriation process adheres to international norms and principles, and will not affect foreign nationals who are legally residing or registered in Pakistan. She said that the government "takes its commitments towards protection and safety needs of those in vulnerable situations with utmost seriousness",{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | title='Illegal foreigners repatriation compliant with int'l norms' | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=3 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103091411/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40266732 | title=Illegal immigrants: Operation not aimed at any particular nationality: FO | date=6 October 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104180607/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40266732 | url-status=live }} and that the repatriation of illegals will continue without revision.{{cite web | url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners-to-continue-without-any-reconsideration-fo/ | title=Repatriation of illegal foreigners to continue without any reconsideration: FO | date=2 November 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104183511/https://www.app.com.pk/national/repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners-to-continue-without-any-reconsideration-fo/ | url-status=live }}

Interim Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that the government's deportation drive is aimed at including all people living illegally in the country, not just Afghans. He said that the government's message regarding action against illegal residents was misunderstood.{{cite web | url=https://www.24newshd.tv/25-Oct-2023/deportation-drive-aimed-at-all-illegal-residents-not-solely-afghans-bugti | title=Deportation drive aimed at all illegal residents, not solely Afghans: Bugti | date=26 October 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104180839/https://www.24newshd.tv/25-Oct-2023/deportation-drive-aimed-at-all-illegal-residents-not-solely-afghans-bugti | url-status=live }} The statement was made at a time when the government's deadline for illegal residents to leave the country was approaching.{{cite web | url=https://article.wn.com/view/2023/10/25/Interior_minister_insists_deportation_drive_aimed_at_all_ill/ | title=Interior minister insists deportation drive aimed at all illegal residents_ not solely Afghans | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104180838/https://article.wn.com/view/2023/10/25/Interior_minister_insists_deportation_drive_aimed_at_all_ill/ | url-status=live }}