Thousands of Afghans deported as Pakistan intensifies crackdown for ‘illegal foreigners’

In March, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry reiterated its directive for all "illegal foreigners" and Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave the country by March 31, warning that deportations commenced from April 1. Islamabad has in the past blamed militant attacks and crimes on Afghan citizens, who form the largest portion of migrants in the country. Kabul has rejected the accusations. Thousands of Afghan refugees continued to stream across the Torkham border on Monday (April 7) after Pakistan intensified its deportation campaign, forcing undocumented Afghans to leave the country many of whom had lived there for decades. With belongings packed, one of the Aghani Lal Saeed said he left a loaded car waiting outside and rushed to the prison, hoping for one last chance to bring his sons with him. 

Pakistan launched its repatriation drive of foreign citizens, most of whom are Afghan, in 2023, but had said they were first focusing on foreigners with no legal documentation. More than 800,000 Afghans hold an Afghan Citizen Card in Pakistan, according to U.N. data. Another roughly 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistan government and hold a separate Proof of Residence card. 

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