Nearly 120000 Afghans Deported From Pakistan In 25 Days, Says UN

Nearly 120000 Afghans Deported From Pakistan In 25 Days, Says UN

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that almost 120,000 Afghan nationals have been deported from Pakistan since 1 April.

The report raising serious humanitarian concerns as thousands of vulnerable individuals particularly women and girls return to uncertain and often dire conditions in Afghanistan.

Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan, visited the Torkham border crossing and described the situation as deeply troubling. “Tens of thousands of Afghans are returning from Pakistan, many of whom have been forced to leave,” he said. “They are exhausted, anxious, and unsure of what lies ahead.”

According to Jamal, many of the returnees were forced to leave with only a few personal belongings, and some have never set foot in Afghanistan before. “Vulnerable groups especially women and girls are particularly distressed. They face a future devoid of access to education, livelihoods, and basic freedoms.”

The UN official emphasised that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, with half the population reliant on aid. He reiterated the UNHCR’s commitment to providing emergency assistance at border crossings, including protection services and essential cash support.

However, Jamal warned that the agency is grappling with severe budget cuts. “We urgently need more support. The lives of millions of Afghans depend on this assistance,” he said.

On Sunday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior reported that 100,529 Afghan nationals had been expelled since the beginning of April. The ministry noted that approximately three million Afghans currently reside in Pakistan.