Deportation Ultimatum: Over 165,000 Afghan Refugees Flee Pakistan

In the aftermath of an ultimatum issued by Islamabad, more than 165,000 Afghans refugees have left Pakistan over the past month to avoid the threat of arrest and deportation.

The ultimatum was directed at 1.7 million people residing in Pakistan, urging them to leave the country. According to the provincial home department, slightly over 129,000 Afghans have fled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while border officials in Chaman, Balochistan, have reported that a total of 38,100 Afghans have crossed into Afghanistan. The ultimatum, which was issued a month ago, has created a sense of urgency among Afghan refugees to depart Pakistan. This mass exodus is a result of Pakistan's strict stance on Afghan refugees, reflecting the country's efforts to manage its own security concerns, economic challenges, and the desire to regulate the influx of Afghan refugees who have sought shelter in Pakistan for decades. The situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which continues to grapple with instability and economic turmoil following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. The displacement of Afghans from Pakistan adds to the broader global refugee crisis and raises concerns about the well-being and safety of these individuals who are in search of stability and refuge. As the exodus of Afghan refugees continues, international organizations and neighbouring countries will need to address the humanitarian needs and rights of these displaced individuals. This mass movement underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees and addressing the root causes of displacement to ensure their safety and well-being.