The Afghan embassy in Pakistan has issued a statement regarding the ongoing deportation of Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Pakistani government, in line with its immigration laws, is ensuring that all illegal immigrants leave the country as per the outlined policy. This process is not unprecedented, as every sovereign nation has the right to regulate its borders and security. Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, and it has now reached a point where the burden on national resources has become unsustainable. With an estimated 3.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, of which around 1.7 million are undocumented, this move is necessary to maintain law and order and safeguard national interests.
Over the years, Pakistan has been one of the most generous hosts to Afghan refugees, providing them with shelter, healthcare, and employment opportunities despite its own economic challenges. However, recent developments have necessitated stricter enforcement of immigration policies. Islamabad has expressed serious security concerns, citing intelligence reports that link undocumented Afghan refugees to criminal activities and terrorist networks operating within Pakistan. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, in the past year alone, over 65% of individuals involved in cross-border militant attacks had links to Afghan refugees. Additionally, local law enforcement agencies have reported a rise in drug trafficking, illegal trade, and smuggling, further complicating internal security.
Pakistan’s decision to expel undocumented Afghan refugees comes after multiple warnings and deadlines. In November 2023, the government initiated a repatriation program aimed at returning illegal Afghan nationals to their country. This policy aligns with international norms, as countries worldwide routinely implement measures to deport undocumented immigrants. The Pakistani government has set March 31, 2025, as the final deadline for Afghan refugees to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi, after which further action will be taken to ensure compliance with immigration laws. The process is being conducted in phases to minimize disruption and allow legitimate refugees to seek legal pathways for their stay.
Criticism of this policy ignores the broader reality of Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to Afghan refugees. The country has already granted legal status to approximately 1.4 million documented Afghan refugees, providing them access to various public services. However, managing an additional undocumented population places immense strain on limited resources. With Pakistan’s economy facing inflation and an increasing population, the government cannot afford to continue supporting individuals who do not possess legal residency. Data from Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics shows that over 80% of Afghan refugees rely on informal labor, which affects job opportunities for local citizens and increases pressure on essential services such as healthcare and education.
Pakistan’s national security concerns also play a crucial role in these deportation efforts. The rise in terrorism incidents linked to Afghan-origin militants has forced the government to take decisive action. The Afghan embassy’s claims of unfair treatment fail to acknowledge that Pakistan has exhausted diplomatic channels to address this issue. Afghan authorities have been repeatedly urged to cooperate in curbing cross-border infiltration, yet there has been little progress in controlling the movement of extremists. In such a scenario, Pakistan has no option but to enforce strict measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.
From a legal perspective, Pakistan’s actions align with international immigration practices. Countries like the United States and European nations have strict policies for undocumented migrants, often conducting large-scale deportations to protect their borders. Pakistan is merely following the global precedent in addressing illegal migration. The decision to expel undocumented Afghan refugees is not about targeting a specific community but about upholding the rule of law and prioritizing national security.
While humanitarian concerns remain, it is essential to recognize that Pakistan has shouldered the Afghan refugee crisis for decades with little international support. The government has offered voluntary repatriation programs, encouraged refugees to legalize their status, and provided ample notice before implementing these measures. Those who wish to remain must follow legal procedures, just as they would be required to do in any other country.
Pakistan’s enforcement of immigration laws is a necessary step in safeguarding national security and economic stability. The country has shown immense patience and generosity over the years, but the time has come to ensure that undocumented migrants do not compromise the well-being of Pakistani citizens. The Afghan government should take responsibility for its people and work towards a cooperative solution rather than deflect blame onto Pakistan. The repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees is not an arbitrary decision but a well-calculated policy designed to protect Pakistan’s interests while maintaining regional stability.
