Surge in Afghan Expulsions from Pakistan Raises Humanitarian Concerns

A recent report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates that expulsions of Afghan nationals from Pakistan surged by 33% in the first week of February 2026.

Increased Strain in February; 33% Surge in Expulsions

In the latest joint report from UN migration agencies released yesterday, the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has been described as critical. According to the data, from February 1 to 7, a total of 2,013 Afghan citizens were detained and forcibly expelled across the border by Pakistani security forces. This figure reflects a significant increase of 33% compared to the last week of January, indicating a sharp rise in police operations throughout various provinces of Pakistan.

Fear of Arrest; The Sole Motive for Returning

A disturbing aspect of the IOM report focuses on the psychological impact on returning migrants. In interviews conducted with individuals who returned to Afghanistan, 99% of respondents explicitly stated that their sole reason for leaving their homes in Pakistan was fear of detention and violent confrontations with the police. This data clearly indicates that the returns, contrary to the claims of Islamabad officials, are anything but voluntary, stemming from a systematically instilled atmosphere of fear that compels refugees to abandon their residences.

Return of 38,000 Individuals in 15 Days; Increased Pressure on Kabul

The trend of returns was markedly prevalent in January as well. In the last two weeks of the past month alone, over 38,000 individuals entered Afghanistan through official borders. The sudden influx of this population during winter exacerbates the strain on the already limited resources of the current Afghan government and relief organizations. Many families are facing dire humanitarian conditions in the border provinces, lacking adequate shelter and financial means. World Food Programme Launches Relief for Afghan Families Amid Growing Border Conflicts

Legal and Humanitarian Challenges at the Southern Borders

Experts argue that Pakistan’s treatment of migrants as a political leverage tool 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, crossing the border with only the clothes on their backs. Moreover, the escalating deportations of Afghan nationals from Pakistan underline the urgent need for international attention and intervention.