Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Expulsion Amid Security Crisis

Authorities in Pakistan have intensified crackdowns on refugees as security tensions escalate. The government accuses the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of using Afghanistan as a base for launching attacks on security forces. In recent months, these attacks have surged to record levels, prompting a deterioration in relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

On October 19, 2023, violent clashes along the border were temporarily halted when both sides reached a ceasefire. In the aftermath, Pakistani authorities have stepped up measures to address security concerns, leading to the evacuation of entire neighborhoods and the closure of refugee camps. A new reporting system has been established in Punjab, Pakistan’s largest province, allowing citizens to report the presence of “illegal immigrants.”

The Pakistani government’s actions primarily target undocumented immigrants and recent arrivals. However, since September 1, 2025, these measures have extended to registered refugees, including many who have lived in Pakistan for over four decades. This shift has left countless individuals facing a dire dilemma: remain in hiding, subjected to threats and persecution, or return to Afghanistan, a country currently under Taliban rule.

Returning to Afghanistan presents significant risks for these refugees. Under Taliban governance, girls are prohibited from attending school, personal freedoms are severely restricted, and the economy has suffered a catastrophic collapse. Many refugees, who had hoped to build a life in Pakistan, now find themselves with few viable options.

The situation is particularly tragic for families who fled conflict and instability in Afghanistan, only to now confront the prospect of being uprooted once again. For many, the memories of their homeland are filled with loss and uncertainty, making the choice to return all the more painful.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community, including organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is closely monitoring the situation. They emphasize the need for protection and assistance for vulnerable populations, urging Pakistan to reconsider its policies towards refugees.

The plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder of the broader humanitarian crisis facing millions in the region. As authorities grapple with security challenges, the human cost of these decisions remains high, with many refugees caught in a cycle of fear and displacement.