Pakistan Deports Thousands of Afghan Migrants

Pakistan initiated a large-scale deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants this week, with authorities stating the move is driven by national security concerns and a rise in crime. The operation, dubbed "Operation Khidmat," began on November 1, 2023, and aims to expel an estimated 1.7 million individuals living in the country without legal status. The Pakistani government claims that undocumented foreigners, particularly Afghans, are involved in criminal activities, including terrorism, smuggling, and fraud. This assertion has been met with criticism from human rights organizations and the Afghan government.

Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti announced that the government has identified over 1.4 million undocumented Afghans, and the process of their repatriation would be carried out systematically. He emphasized that the operation is not targeting any specific nationality but rather individuals without legal documentation. However, reports from the ground indicate that many Afghans who have lived in Pakistan for decades, some with legal work permits or family ties, are also being detained and processed for deportation. The Pakistani government has set up holding centers for those awaiting expulsion.

The mass deportations have sparked widespread concern among Afghan refugees and international bodies. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed worries about the humanitarian implications and the potential for family separations. The Afghan interim government has also voiced its distress, urging Pakistan to reconsider its policy and highlighting the difficult situation refugees would face upon return. Many Afghans in Pakistan fear arbitrary arrests and the confiscation of their belongings during the ongoing operation. The Pakistani authorities maintain that the deportations are in line with national laws and are essential for maintaining order and security within the country.