Escalating Deportations of Afghan Nationals from Pakistan: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

A recent report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates a significant surge in the forced deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, rising by 33 percent in the first week of February 2026.

Pressure Mounts in February; 33 Percent Increase in Deportations

According to a newly released joint report by UN migration agencies, the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has become critical. Data reveals that between February 1 and 7, a staggering 2,013 Afghan citizens were apprehended by Pakistani security forces and forcibly deported across the border. This figure marks a 33 percent increase compared to the last week of January, indicating a troubling escalation in police operations across various provinces of Pakistan.

Fear of Arrest: The Sole Motivation for Return

A troubling aspect of the IOM report focuses on the psychology of returning migrants. Interviews conducted with individuals who returned to Afghanistan show that 99 percent explicitly stated that their sole reason for leaving their homes in Pakistan was the fear of police arrest and violence. This data suggests that these returns are far from voluntary, contradicting the claims of officials in Islamabad, and stem from a systematic atmosphere of terror that forces refugees to abandon their homes.

38,000 Returns Over 15 Days: Increased Pressure on Kabul

The return process has also been notably heavy in January. In just the last two weeks of the month, over 38,000 individuals entered Afghanistan through official borders. The sudden influx of such a large population amidst winter has placed additional strain on the already limited resources of the current Afghan government and humanitarian organizations. Many of these families find themselves in dire circumstances, lacking adequate shelter and financial means in border provinces. The situation is further compounded by a winter crisis where 17 million Afghans face severe food insecurity, highlighting the urgent need for aid.

Legal and Human Rights Challenges at the Southern Borders

Experts argue that Pakistan’s use of migrant issues as a political leverage constitutes a clear violation of international refugee conventions. Given that most of these individuals have lived in Pakistan for years, their sudden expulsion poses not only a security crisis for Kabul but also a humanitarian disaster for families who have left all their belongings behind in Pakistan, forced to embark on their journey with nothing but their bodily possessions. This crisis has led to growing concerns, as something needs to be done at the international level, similar to actions taken by the UN Security Council which has called for urgent changes in Taliban policies.