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{{Short description|Mass exodus of Afghan nationals in 2023}}
{{Short description|Mass exodus of Afghan nationals in 2023}}
{{In use|date=November 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
In October 2023, the [[government of Pakistan]] announced a plan to [[deport]] foreign nationals who either did not have valid [[travel visa|visas]] or had overstayed their visa for more than one year. The mass deportations primarily affected those [[Afghans in Pakistan|Afghans]] who fled to Pakistan after [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan]]. There were an estimated 3.8 million Afghans in Pakistan at the time the deportation order was announced, according to the [[United Nations]], while Pakistani authorities believed the number to be as high as 4.4 million.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-26 |title=Pakistan issues final warning to illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily before the November 1 deadline. |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-refugees-return-home-pakistan-deportations/32654636.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Munir |title=Pakistan announces big crackdown on migrants in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-announces-big-crackdown-migrants-country-illegally-including-103689458 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Can Pakistan deport 1.7 million Afghan refugees? – DW – 10/04/2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/can-pakistan-deport-17-million-afghan-refugees/a-66995120 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> Of these, only a few held the required documentation allowing them to legally stay in Pakistan.<ref name=":1" /> Afghans accounted for 98% of the foreign nationals in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=As Pakistan deports refugees, tense Afghanistan ties come in sharp focus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/7/as-pakistan-deports-refugees-tense-afghanistan-ties-come-in-sharp-focus |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |quote=According to the Pakistani government, there were about 4 million foreigners in the country before October 31, nearly 3.8 million of them Afghans. Of those, it says, only 2.2 million Afghans carry a government-approved document that makes them eligible to stay. |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107232120/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/7/as-pakistan-deports-refugees-tense-afghanistan-ties-come-in-sharp-focus |url-status=live }}</ref> Deportations were to start from 1 November 2023. An estimated 746,800 Afghans were deported from Pakistan by 1 April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-05 |title=Pakistan-Afghanistan: Returns Emergency Response (as of 4 April 2024) - Afghanistan {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/pakistan-afghanistan-returns-emergency-response-4-april-2024 |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=reliefweb.int |language=en}}</ref>
The '''Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan''' ('''IFRP''') was announced by the [[government of Pakistan]]. The plan aims to repatriate foreign nationals who either do not have a valid Pakistani visa or have overstayed their visa for more than one year. The plan was to start from 1 November 2023.<ref>https://pakistan.embassy.gov.au/files/islm/231028_IllegalForeignersRepatriationPlan.pdf</ref> The government has finalized a comprehensive plan for the repatriation of these illegal aliens, including Afghan nationals.<ref>https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals</ref>


The government cited increasing crime and violence, including [[suicide attack]]s, as the motivation for the mass deportations. However, outside observers noted there were likely also political reasons for the sudden deportations, for example that the [[Pakistan Army]] hoped to pressure the [[Taliban]], who control the [[Government of Afghanistan|Afghan government]], into a more cooperative foreign policy.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan PM says expulsion of Afghans a response to Taliban non-cooperation |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-pm-says-expulsion-afghans-response-taliban-non-cooperation-2023-11-08/ |date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-08 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108162934/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-pm-says-expulsion-afghans-response-taliban-non-cooperation-2023-11-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some also argued that Pakistan is instituting collective punishment against Afghans and Afghan immigrants were being [[Scapegoating|scapegoated]] for [[2022–2023 Pakistani economic crisis|Pakistan's economic crisis]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pakistan expels undocumented Afghans. But at what price? |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/10/12/pakistan-expels-undocumented-afghans-but-at-what-price |access-date=2023-11-07 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106192451/https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/10/12/pakistan-expels-undocumented-afghans-but-at-what-price |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |date=2023-11-01 |title=Why Is Pakistan Expelling 1.7 Million Afghans? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/01/pakistan-deports-million-afghans-undocumented-migrants/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103215140/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/01/pakistan-deports-million-afghans-undocumented-migrants/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Forced expulsion |work=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1787440 |date=November 8, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-08 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108163353/https://www.dawn.com/news/1787440 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==The plan==
The plan includes the identification and deportation of illegal, unregistered and overstaying aliens.<ref>https://pakistan.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1121/files/documents/2023-10/unhcr-iom-flash-update-1-pakistan_19-oct-2023.pdf</ref> The repatriation process is planned to be carried out in successive phases.<ref>https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/09/26/caretaker-federal-govt-decides-repatriation-of-11-lac-foreigners-afghans-residing-illegally/</ref> The [[Ministry of Interior (Pakistan)|Ministry of Interior]] has established 49 holding area points all over the country to help these people cross the border in a dignified manner after thorough screening. These holding centers have been set up in all 36 districts of Punjab, three in [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]: Peshawar, Haripur and [[Khyber district]]s, two in [[Sind]]: Kemari and [[Malir district]]s and three in [[Balochistan]]: Quetta, Chagai and [[Pishin district]]s. One holding center has also been established in the federal capital Islamabad and Gilgit.<ref>https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
{{main|Afghans in Pakistan}}
{{main|Afghans in Pakistan}}
The Caretaker [[Government of Sindh|Cabinet of Sindh]] has decided to allocate 4.5 billion rupees for the repatriation of illegal immigrants. This amount was required for the repatriation of illegal aliens from Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Mirpurkhas divisions. The cabinet approved funds beyond the [[2023–24 Sindh budget|budget]] allocation.<ref>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444080/cabinet-allocates-rs45b-for-repatriation-of-illegal-aliens</ref><ref>https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/caretaker-cabinet-approves-funds-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners</ref>


Afghan migration to Pakistan dates back to the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]] in 1979, which led to over three million Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite book | chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | doi=10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | chapter=Afghan Migration and Pakistan's Policy Response: Dynamics of Continuity and Change | title=Public Policy Research in the Global South | date=2019 | last1=Ghosh | first1=Anwesha | pages=215–230 | isbn=978-3-030-06060-2 | s2cid=159051369 | access-date=7 October 2023 | archive-date=9 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009172350/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | url-status=live }}</ref> Significant waves of [[Afghan refugees]] also came to Pakistan after the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|U.S. invasion of Afghanistan]] in 2001 and in 2021 when the [[Taliban]] [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|returned to power]] following the [[2020–2021 US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan|US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 November 2023 |title=Hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants face deportation from Pakistan |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-afghanistan-migrant-deportations-rcna122918 |website=NBC News |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106120009/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-afghanistan-migrant-deportations-rcna122918 |url-status=live }}</ref> While some have returned home, around 4.4 million Afghan nationals, both documented and undocumented, remained in [[Pakistan]] in October 2023 according to government figures. Many were born and raised in Pakistan and have never been to Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title='Where do I go back to?': Expelled Afghans battle chaos at Pakistan border |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/where-do-i-go-back-to-expelled-afghans-battle-chaos-at-pakistan-border |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103153357/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/where-do-i-go-back-to-expelled-afghans-battle-chaos-at-pakistan-border |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeung |first=Sophia Saifi, Jessie |date=3 November 2023 |title='There is no school for girls': Afghans who fled to Pakistan sent back to a homeland that is foreign to many |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/pakistan-expels-afghanistan-migrants-hnk-intl/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103184145/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/pakistan-expels-afghanistan-migrants-hnk-intl/index.html |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> The government claimed around 1.7 million were without visas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants|title=Pakistan says it will deport 1.7m Afghans and all other 'illegal immigrants'|date=6 October 2023|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=7 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007125156/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants|url-status=live}}</ref>
The plan was developed in response to an increase in [[terrorist attacks in Pakistan]]. Pakistani officials said there have been 24 suicide bombings since January, 14 of which were carried out by Afghan nationals.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-orders-all-illegal-immigrants-leave-after-suicide-bombings-2023-10-03/</ref> Eight of the 11 militants who recently attacked two Pakistani military installations in southwestern Balochistan province were Afghans.<ref>https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html</ref>


The government of Pakistan has established a time limit of one month for all individuals without proper documentation, including a large number of Afghans, to depart from Pakistan. During this time, more than 100,000 Afghans voluntarily returned to their homeland.<ref>https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/thousands-of-afghan-refugees-fleeing-pakistan-as-deportation-deadline-looms</ref> [[Sarfraz Bugti]], the interim Interior Minister, disclosed that a significant portion of suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were orchestrated by Afghan citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans|title=Why is Pakistan planning to deport undocumented Afghans?|first=Abid|last=Hussain|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=2023-10-07|archive-date=2023-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008055159/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans|url-status=live}}</ref> He further noted that Afghanistan hosts around 4.4 million Afghans, with 1.4 million refugees, 1.3 million immigrants and with over 1.7 million residing in Pakistan without proper authorization who were being expelled.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants|title=Pakistan says it will deport 1.7m Afghans and all other 'illegal immigrants'|date=October 6, 2023|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=October 7, 2023|archive-date=October 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007125156/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants|url-status=live}}</ref>
The government stated the deportations were a response to an increase in [[terrorist attacks in Pakistan]]. Pakistani officials said there have been 24 suicide bombings since January, 14 of which were carried out by Afghan nationals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-orders-all-illegal-immigrants-leave-after-suicide-bombings-2023-10-03/|title=Pakistan orders illegal immigrants, including 1.73 mln Afghans, to leave|first1=Asif|last1=Shahzad|newspaper=Reuters|date=3 October 2023|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=2 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102194101/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-orders-all-illegal-immigrants-leave-after-suicide-bombings-2023-10-03/|url-status=live}}</ref> Eight of the 11 militants who recently attacked two Pakistani military installations in southwestern Balochistan province were Afghans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|title=Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans|date=3 October 2023|website=Voice of America|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006210629/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Pakistani government attributes this surge in violence to the Afghan Taliban providing safe harbor to the [[Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan]] (TTP), which organised several of these attacks.


Afghan migration to Pakistan dates back to the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]] in 1979, which led to over three million Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite book | chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | doi=10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | chapter=Afghan Migration and Pakistan's Policy Response: Dynamics of Continuity and Change | title=Public Policy Research in the Global South | date=2019 | last1=Ghosh | first1=Anwesha | pages=215–230 | isbn=978-3-030-06060-2 | s2cid=159051369 | access-date=2023-10-07 | archive-date=2023-10-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009172350/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12 | url-status=live }}</ref> While many have returned home, a significant number of Afghan nationals, both documented and undocumented, remain in [[Pakistan]]. Recently, there has been a surge in violence, particularly in provinces bordering Afghanistan. The Pakistani government attributes this to the Afghan Taliban providing safe harbor to the [[Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan]] (TTP), which has launched numerous attacks. In response to these security concerns, the Pakistani government has announced that all undocumented migrants and refugees, including hundreds of thousands of Afghans, must leave Pakistan.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans | title=Why is Pakistan planning to deport undocumented Afghans? | access-date=2023-10-07 | archive-date=2023-10-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008055159/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=Pakistan abruptly turns against Afghan refugees, calls for deportations |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/05/afghan-refugees-migrants-pakistan-karachi/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103172317/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/05/afghan-refugees-migrants-pakistan-karachi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 3 October 2023, in a high committee meeting of the [[National Action Plan (Pakistan)|National Action Plan]] (NAP) chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister [[Anwarul Haq Kakar]], all foreign nationals residing illegally in the country have to voluntarily leave the country or face deportation by 31 October.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends|title=Govt launches action against Illegal immigrants as deadline ends|date=1 November 2023|website=The Nation|access-date=6 November 2023|archive-date=6 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106225133/https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Khan |first1=Iftikhar A. |title=Undocumented 'aliens' given 28 days to leave |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1779210 |work=DAWN |date=4 October 2023 |language=en |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106072322/https://www.dawn.com/news/1779210 |url-status=live }}</ref> During this time, 100,000–165,000 Afghans voluntarily left Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/thousands-of-afghan-refugees-fleeing-pakistan-as-deportation-deadline-looms|title=Thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing Pakistan as deportation deadline looms|first=Abid|last=Hussain|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104171128/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/31/thousands-of-afghan-refugees-fleeing-pakistan-as-deportation-deadline-looms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2023 |title=More than 165,000 Afghans flee Pakistan after deportation order |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231102-more-than-165-000-afghans-flee-pakistan-in-a-month-after-govt-order |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104083418/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231102-more-than-165-000-afghans-flee-pakistan-in-a-month-after-govt-order |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sarfraz Bugti]], the interim Interior Minister, disclosed that a significant portion of suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were orchestrated by Afghan citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans|title=Why is Pakistan planning to deport undocumented Afghans?|first=Abid|last=Hussain|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008055159/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/6/why-is-pakistan-deporting-undocumented-afghans|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Logistics==
In 2023, [[Pakistan]] ordered the expulsion of approximately two million [[Afghans in Pakistan|Afghans]] from the country in a "gradual" and "organized" manner. Having made the announcement in September, the Pakistani government set a deadline of two months, telling "undocumented" Afghan residents to voluntarily relocate to [[Afghanistan]] by 1 November or be deported.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-plan-to-expel-illegal-afghan-migrants-alarms-un-/7289190.html|title=Pakistan's Plan to Expel Illegal Afghan Migrants Alarms UN|date=September 28, 2023|website=VOA|access-date=October 7, 2023|archive-date=October 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007152148/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-plan-to-expel-illegal-afghan-migrants-alarms-un-/7289190.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of Pakistan's Afghan residents were born and raised in Pakistan and have never been to Afghanistan,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title='Where do I go back to?': Expelled Afghans battle chaos at Pakistan border |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/where-do-i-go-back-to-expelled-afghans-battle-chaos-at-pakistan-border |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yeung |first=Sophia Saifi, Jessie |date=2023-11-03 |title='There is no school for girls': Afghans who fled to Pakistan sent back to a homeland that is foreign to many |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/pakistan-expels-afghanistan-migrants-hnk-intl/index.html |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> with the first [[Afghan refugees]] having arrived in the country shortly after the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]];<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |date=2023-11-01 |title=Why Is Pakistan Expelling 1.7 Million Afghans? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/01/pakistan-deports-million-afghans-undocumented-migrants/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> the most recent influx of refugees occurred after the [[2021 Taliban offensive|Taliban takeover of Afghanistan]] in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Munir Ahmed And Riaz |date=2023-11-01 |title=Dozens of Afghans who were illegally in Pakistan are detained and deported in nationwide sweeps |url=https://www.cp24.com/world/dozens-of-afghans-who-were-illegally-in-pakistan-are-detained-and-deported-in-nationwide-sweeps-1.6625936 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref> Almost 200,000 Afghans had fled the country by the time the deadline expired, after which Pakistani authorities began rounding up Afghans for deportation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=More than 165,000 Afghans flee Pakistan after deportation order |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231102-more-than-165-000-afghans-flee-pakistan-in-a-month-after-govt-order |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> There have been numerous reports of both undocumented Afghans and documented Afghans with Pakistani citizenship being targeted by police amidst the campaign:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=2023-11-01 |title=Pakistan starts mass deportation of undocumented Afghans |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/pakistan-starts-mass-deportation-of-undocumented-afghans |access-date=2023-11-04 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Afghans who failed to leave the country were detained in nationwide sweeps and had their houses demolished,<ref>{{Citation |title=Afghans Refugee Homes Demolished In Islamabad Ahead Of Deadline To Leave Pakistan |date=2023-11-01 |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-afghanistan-refugees-homes-demolished/32665366.html |access-date=2023-11-04 |language=en}}</ref> and around {{Currency|4 billion|USD|passthrough=yes|linked=no}} in Afghan-owned properties and other assets have reportedly been seized by Pakistan's government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-04 |title=Assets Worth $4Bn of Afghans Has Been Confiscated, Says Pak-Afg Joint Chamber of Commerce |url=https://www.afintl.com/en/202311038341 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Afghanistan International |language=en}}</ref> The ongoing mass deportation has been condemned by the [[United Nations]] and [[Human Rights Watch]], with the latter calling on Pakistan to halt the deportations while also calling on [[Western world|Western countries]] to immediately expediate the immigration process for those Afghans in Pakistan who are deemed to be "particularly at risk" if they are sent to Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title=Pakistan: Afghans Detained, Face Deportation {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/31/pakistan-afghans-detained-face-deportation |access-date=2023-11-04 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-12 |title=Pakistan: Drop Threat to Deport Afghans {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/pakistan-drop-threat-deport-afghans |access-date=2023-11-04 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-03 |title=Afghans in Pakistan seeking resettlement in Canada fear being deported back to Afghanistan |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-afghans-in-pakistan-seeking-resettlement-in-canada-fear-being-deported/ |access-date=2023-11-04}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] urged the reversal of the decision and condemned Pakistan's authorities for "arbitrarily arresting and harassing" Afghans living in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-31 |title=Pakistan: Decision on forced returns of Afghan refugees must be reversed immediately |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-decision-on-forced-returns-of-afghan-refugees-must-be-reversed-immediately/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Pakistan: Government must not deport Afghan Refugees |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-government-must-not-deport-afghan-refugees/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Amnesty International |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=RFE/RL |title=Amnesty International Flags Pakistan Over Treatment Of Afghan Refugees |language=en |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-amnesty-afghan-refugees-treatment/32466949.html |access-date=2023-11-04}}</ref> The expulsions have further inflamed bilateral tensions with the [[Government of Afghanistan|Taliban government]], which has criticized Pakistan's actions and urged the Pakistani government to "give more time" to Afghans leaving the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taliban urges Pakistan to grant more time for undocumented Afghans to leave |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/taliban-urges-pakistan-to-grant-more-time-for-undocumented-afghans-to-leave |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabul rejects deportation policy amid Pakistan resolve |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1116052-decision-on-illegal-immigrants-causes-pak-afghan-tension |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007121642/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1116052-decision-on-illegal-immigrants-causes-pak-afghan-tension |archive-date=2023-10-07 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=www.thenews.com.pk}}</ref>
On 1 November, the [[Ministry of Interior (Pakistan)|Ministry of Interior]] issued instructions to all provinces to deport illegal aliens under the ''Foreigners Act, 1946''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt initiates nationwide operation to deport illegal foreign nationals |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/01-11-2023/govt-initiates-nationwide-operation-to-deport-illegal-foreign-nationals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103055616/https://radio.gov.pk/01-11-2023/govt-initiates-nationwide-operation-to-deport-illegal-foreign-nationals |archive-date=3 November 2023 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=www.radio.gov.pk}}</ref> The government deployed law enforcement officials across the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/govt-starts-nationwide-operation-against-illegal-immigrants/ar-AA1jggIW |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105191559/https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/govt-starts-nationwide-operation-against-illegal-immigrants/ar-AA1jggIW |archive-date=5 November 2023 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=[[MSN]]}}</ref> It also launched a phone [[hotline]] for people to inform on undocumented immigrants.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministry of Interior establishes dedicated helpline for complaints against illegal immigrants |url=https://timesofkarachi.pkarticle/ministry-of-interior-establishes-dedicated-helpline-for-complaints-against-illegal-immigrants/2688 |website=Times of Karachi }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


The [[Ministry of Interior (Pakistan)|Ministry of Interior]] has established 49 holding areas throughout the country to detain undocumented immigrants. These holding centers have been set up in all 36 districts of Punjab, three in [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]: Peshawar, Haripur and [[Khyber district]]s, two in [[Sindh]]: Kemari and [[Malir district]]s and three in [[Balochistan]]: Quetta, Chagai and [[Pishin district]]s. One holding center has also been established in the federal capital Islamabad and Gilgit.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Comprehensive plan finalized for repatriation of illegal foreigners |url=https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105191600/https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals |archive-date=5 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=www.radio.gov.pk}}</ref>
== Seizure of Afghans' properties ==
The [[Islamabad police]] have finished the process of marking the locations of Afghan individuals residing in various areas of the federal capital. Additionally, a survey regarding the properties owned by Afghan nationals is currently in progress.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arynews.tv/islamabad-police-complete-geo-tagging-of-afghan-nationals/|title=Islamabad police complete geo-tagging of Afghan nationals|first=Web|last=Desk|date=October 7, 2023|website=ARY NEWS|access-date=October 7, 2023|archive-date=October 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008014049/https://arynews.tv/islamabad-police-complete-geo-tagging-of-afghan-nationals/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Caretaker Interior Minister [[Sarfaraz Bugti]] directed authorities and agencies to treat undocumented migrants with respect while they are detained,<ref>{{cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Officials must be respectful with undocumented immigrants, directs Bugti |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/31/official-must-be-respectful-with-undocumented-immigrants-directs-bugti/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106160826/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/31/official-must-be-respectful-with-undocumented-immigrants-directs-bugti/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but also threatened anyone involved in aiding, harboring, or renting a home to an undocumented immigrant with prosecution. He urged Pakistani citizens to inform the government about illegal immigrants and their residences.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan to Expel over a Million Illegal Migrants After November 1. Here's Why |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-to-expel-over-a-million-illegal-migrants-after-november-1-heres-why-4533119 |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106161459/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-to-expel-over-a-million-illegal-migrants-after-november-1-heres-why-4533119 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 2023 |title=Govt launches action against Illegal immigrants as deadline ends |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106225133/https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/govt-launches-action-against-illegal-immigrants-as-deadline-ends |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Detention centers==
The government, in consultation with all four provinces, [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] and [[Azad Kashmir]], has set up 'holding centers' where these people will be sheltered in a dignified manner with all facilities.<ref>https://www.radio.gov.pk/26-10-2023/govt-finalizes-repatriation-plan-for-illegal-foreigners-caretaker-interior-minister</ref> These centers are designed to help these people cross the border in a dignified manner after thorough screening.<ref>https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-10-2023/comprehensive-plan-finalized-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreign-nationals</ref>


==Reactions==
==Deportation ==
There have been numerous reports of both undocumented Afghans and Afghans who have refugee status being targeted by police amidst the campaign:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=1 November 2023 |title=Pakistan starts mass deportation of undocumented Afghans |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/pakistan-starts-mass-deportation-of-undocumented-afghans |access-date=4 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104050549/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/pakistan-starts-mass-deportation-of-undocumented-afghans |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan's expulsion order deepens the Afghan crisis |url=https://www.ft.com/content/827815dd-3d5e-4b7f-87f2-363f70fdca2d |website=Financial Times |access-date=15 November 2023 |date=12 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115113710/https://www.ft.com/content/827815dd-3d5e-4b7f-87f2-363f70fdca2d |url-status=live }}</ref> and around {{Currency|4 billion|USD|passthrough=yes|linked=no}} in Afghan-owned properties and other assets have reportedly been seized by Pakistan's government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 November 2023 |title=Assets Worth $4Bn of Afghans Has Been Confiscated, Says Pak-Afg Joint Chamber of Commerce |url=https://www.afintl.com/en/202311038341 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Afghanistan International |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104095735/https://www.afintl.com/en/202311038341 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In an effort to regulate illegal immigration, Pakistan is implementing the "One Document Regime" (ODR). This policy mandates all foreign nationals, including Afghans, to possess a valid visa for travel to the country. The ODR, already operational at the [[Torkham border crossing]], is a significant step in controlling the movement of people and goods across the border.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271640 | title=Country to implement ODR to check illegal immigration | date=4 November 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104175601/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271640 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438819/pakistan-to-introduce-single-document-regime-for-afghan-travelers|title=Pakistan to introduce '1-document regime' for Afghan travelers|date=2 October 2023|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105191703/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438819/pakistan-to-introduce-single-document-regime-for-afghan-travelers|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 5 November 2023, according to Pakistani border officials, 174,358 Afghan nationals in total left for Afghanistan since 17 September 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Farooq |first1=Umer |title=Over 170,000 Afghans left Pakistan since Sept 17: officials |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1786812/over-170000-afghans-left-pakistan-since-sept-17-officials |work=DAWN |date=6 November 2023 |language=en |access-date=7 November 2023 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107091413/https://www.dawn.com/news/1786812/over-170000-afghans-left-pakistan-since-sept-17-officials |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Balochistan===
To accelerate the deportation process, additional crossing points have been established in Qila Saifullah, Qameruddin Karez, and Baracha Noor Wahab in the [[Chagai district]] by the authorities in Balochistan. These steps are designed to aid Afghan and Iranian Baloch immigrants in adhering to the 31 October deadline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globalpoliticsnews.com/more-crossings-opened-to-speed-up-deportation-drive/|title=More crossings opened to speed up deportation drive|website=Globalpoliticsnews|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104184544/https://globalpoliticsnews.com/more-crossings-opened-to-speed-up-deportation-drive/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Islamabad===
The [[Islamabad police]] has finished the process of marking the locations of Afghan individuals residing in various areas of the federal capital. Additionally, a survey regarding the properties owned by Afghan nationals is currently in progress.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://arynews.tv/islamabad-police-complete-geo-tagging-of-afghan-nationals/|title=Islamabad police complete geo-tagging of Afghan nationals|first=Web|last=Desk|date=7 October 2023|website=ARY NEWS|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008014049/https://arynews.tv/islamabad-police-complete-geo-tagging-of-afghan-nationals/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Afghans who failed to leave the country were detained in nationwide sweeps and had their illegal mud-brick houses on the outskirts of the capital Islamabad demolished.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-03/pakistan-crackdown-illegal-immigrants-afghanistan-deport-taliban/103061000 | title=Pakistan demolishes homes, raids neighbourhoods under crackdown to force millions of Afghans to leave | newspaper=ABC News | date=3 November 2023 | access-date=6 November 2023 | archive-date=6 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106163937/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-03/pakistan-crackdown-illegal-immigrants-afghanistan-deport-taliban/103061000 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Afghans Refugee Homes Demolished In Islamabad Ahead Of Deadline To Leave Pakistan |date=1 November 2023 |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-afghanistan-refugees-homes-demolished/32665366.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103170724/https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-afghanistan-refugees-homes-demolished/32665366.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Punjab===
After the deadline expired, a deportation operation for illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans, was launched across Punjab. The plan, finalized by Punjab's Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, began its phased evacuation of illegal immigrants on 3 November.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271251|title=Eviction of illegal foreign nationals begins in Punjab|first=Recorder|last=Report|date=2 November 2023|website=Brecorder|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104182333/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271251|url-status=live}}</ref> The operation spans multiple divisions within Punjab, such as Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271040|title=Evacuation of illegal foreign nationals: IGP Punjab announces plan|first=Recorder|last=Report|date=1 November 2023|website=Brecorder|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105125556/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40271040|url-status=live}}</ref> Small number of Pakistani citizens have also been wrongfully arrested and detained as Afghan citizens.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Seven Pakistanis escape 'deportation' to Afghanistan |work=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1790774/seven-pakistanis-escape-deportation-to-afghanistan |date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=2023-11-20 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120102245/https://www.dawn.com/news/1790774/seven-pakistanis-escape-deportation-to-afghanistan |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Sindh===
The Caretaker [[Government of Sindh|Cabinet of Sindh]] has decided to allocate 4.5 billion rupees for the repatriation of illegal immigrants. This amount was required for the repatriation of illegal aliens from Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Mirpurkhas divisions. The cabinet approved funds beyond the [[2023–24 Sindh budget|budget]] allocation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444080/cabinet-allocates-rs45b-for-repatriation-of-illegal-aliens|title=Cabinet allocates Rs4.5b for repatriation of illegal aliens|date=1 November 2023|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105192111/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444080/cabinet-allocates-rs45b-for-repatriation-of-illegal-aliens|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/caretaker-cabinet-approves-funds-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners|title=Caretaker cabinet approves funds for repatriation of illegal foreigners|date=1 November 2023|website=The Nation|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=4 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104163906/https://www.nation.com.pk/01-Nov-2023/caretaker-cabinet-approves-funds-for-repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Criticism ==
In November 2023, Pakistan Imposed an $830 (£660) exit fee on Afghan refugees and illegal immigrants.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-24 |title=Pakistan imposes $830 (£660) exit fee on Afghan refugees and illegal immigrants |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-imposes-an-830-exit-fee-on-afghan-refugees-and-illegal-immigrants/articleshow/105474379.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-11-24 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124151946/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-imposes-an-830-exit-fee-on-afghan-refugees-and-illegal-immigrants/articleshow/105474379.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> The "unprecedented" action targets refugees who are waiting to leave Pakistan for western nations as part of resettlement programs. The United Nations and Western diplomats have denounced as "shocking and frustrating" Pakistan's move to charge hundreds of dollars in exit fees to each Afghan refugee who fled the Taliban's persecution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baloch |first=Shah Meer |date=2023-11-22 |title=Pakistan under fire for 'shocking' $830 exit fee for refugees who fled Taliban |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/22/pakistan-under-fire-for-shocking-830-exit-fee-for-refugees-who-fled-taliban |access-date=2023-11-24 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124151822/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/22/pakistan-under-fire-for-shocking-830-exit-fee-for-refugees-who-fled-taliban |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[BBC]] was informed by the [[UNHCR]] that it is working to "resolve the issue". "We are urging the government to waive these obligations for refugees. "Pakistani laws, like the immigration laws in other countries including the United Kingdom, have fines and punishments for individuals who overstay their visas or are in violation of immigration laws," a spokesman for the nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-23 |title=Pakistan charging refugees $830 to leave |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67512576 |access-date=2023-11-24 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124151945/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67512576 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reactions==
=== Afghan government ===
=== Afghan government ===
The [[Taliban]]-led government has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan's move to deport Afghans residing in the country without permission, urging the [[Pakistani government]] to reconsider its decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/4/pakistans-plan-to-evict-thousands-of-afghans-unacceptable-says-taliban|title=Pakistan's plan to evict thousands of Afghans 'unacceptable', says Taliban|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=2023-10-07|archive-date=2023-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008073813/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/4/pakistans-plan-to-evict-thousands-of-afghans-unacceptable-says-taliban|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Taliban]]-led government has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan's move to deport Afghans residing in the country without permission, urging the [[Pakistani government]] to reconsider its decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/4/pakistans-plan-to-evict-thousands-of-afghans-unacceptable-says-taliban|title=Pakistan's plan to evict thousands of Afghans 'unacceptable', says Taliban|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008073813/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/4/pakistans-plan-to-evict-thousands-of-afghans-unacceptable-says-taliban|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== International organizations ===
=== International organizations ===
The [[United Nations]] and international human rights organizations have raised alarms about Pakistan's intentions to remove Afghan individuals who entered the country illegally. They emphasize that a significant number, including those who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's [[2021 Taliban offensive|takeover]] in August 2021, are at risk of being deported.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-urge-pakistan-not-to-evict-afghan-immigrants-/7296178.html|title=Taliban, Rights Groups Decry Pakistan's Decision to Evict Afghan Immigrants|date=October 4, 2023|website=VOA|access-date=October 7, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001858/https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-urge-pakistan-not-to-evict-afghan-immigrants-/7296178.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|title=Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans|date=October 3, 2023|website=VOA|access-date=October 7, 2023|archive-date=October 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006210629/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ongoing mass deportation has been condemned by the [[United Nations]] and [[Human Rights Watch]], with the latter calling on Pakistan to halt the deportations while also calling on [[Western world|Western countries]] to immediately expediate the immigration process for those Afghans in Pakistan who are deemed to be "particularly at risk" if they are sent to Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Afghans Detained, Face Deportation {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/31/pakistan-afghans-detained-face-deportation |access-date=4 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104103222/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/31/pakistan-afghans-detained-face-deportation |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Drop Threat to Deport Afghans {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/pakistan-drop-threat-deport-afghans |access-date=4 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103063857/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/pakistan-drop-threat-deport-afghans |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 November 2023 |title=Afghans in Pakistan seeking resettlement in Canada fear being deported back to Afghanistan |language=en-CA |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-afghans-in-pakistan-seeking-resettlement-in-canada-fear-being-deported/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104004058/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-afghans-in-pakistan-seeking-resettlement-in-canada-fear-being-deported/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Amnesty International]] urged the reversal of the decision and condemned Pakistan's authorities for "arbitrarily arresting and harassing" Afghans living in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Decision on forced returns of Afghan refugees must be reversed immediately |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-decision-on-forced-returns-of-afghan-refugees-must-be-reversed-immediately/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103222321/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-decision-on-forced-returns-of-afghan-refugees-must-be-reversed-immediately/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2023 |title=Pakistan: Government must not deport Afghan Refugees |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-government-must-not-deport-afghan-refugees/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021172114/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/pakistan-government-must-not-deport-afghan-refugees/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=RFE/RL |title=Amnesty International Flags Pakistan Over Treatment Of Afghan Refugees |language=en |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-amnesty-afghan-refugees-treatment/32466949.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801040815/https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-amnesty-afghan-refugees-treatment/32466949.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The expulsions have further inflamed bilateral tensions with the [[Government of Afghanistan|Taliban government]], which has criticized Pakistan's actions and urged the Pakistani government to "give more time" to Afghans leaving the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taliban urges Pakistan to grant more time for undocumented Afghans to leave |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/taliban-urges-pakistan-to-grant-more-time-for-undocumented-afghans-to-leave |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104083411/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/1/taliban-urges-pakistan-to-grant-more-time-for-undocumented-afghans-to-leave |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kabul rejects deportation policy amid Pakistan resolve |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1116052-decision-on-illegal-immigrants-causes-pak-afghan-tension |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007121642/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1116052-decision-on-illegal-immigrants-causes-pak-afghan-tension |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=www.thenews.com.pk}}</ref>

The [[United Nations]] and international human rights organizations have raised alarms about Pakistan's intentions to remove Afghan individuals who entered the country illegally. They emphasize that a significant number, including those who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's [[2021 Taliban offensive|takeover]] in August 2021, are at risk of being deported.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=28 September 2023 |title=Pakistan's Plan to Expel Illegal Afghan Migrants Alarms UN |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-plan-to-expel-illegal-afghan-migrants-alarms-un-/7289190.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007152148/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-plan-to-expel-illegal-afghan-migrants-alarms-un-/7289190.html |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=7 October 2023 |website=VOA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-urge-pakistan-not-to-evict-afghan-immigrants-/7296178.html|title=Taliban, Rights Groups Decry Pakistan's Decision to Evict Afghan Immigrants|date=4 October 2023|website=VOA|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009001858/https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-urge-pakistan-not-to-evict-afghan-immigrants-/7296178.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|title=Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans|date=3 October 2023|website=VOA|access-date=7 October 2023|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006210629/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-to-begin-deportation-of-1-7-million-undocumented-afghans/7294939.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Pakistani government===
Pakistan's [[Kakar caretaker ministry|caretaker government]] has stated that there will be no extension of the deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://efe.com/en/latest-news/2023-10-26/pakistan-says-will-not-extend-deadline-for-illegal-immigrants-to-leave/ | title=Pakistan says will not extend deadline for illegal immigrants to leave | date=26 October 2023 | access-date=6 November 2023 | archive-date=6 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106162657/https://efe.com/en/latest-news/2023-10-26/pakistan-says-will-not-extend-deadline-for-illegal-immigrants-to-leave/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-wont-extend-deadline-for-expelling-illegal-immigrants-interior-minister/ | title=Pakistan won't extend deadline for expelling illegal immigrants: Interior Minister | newspaper=Khaama Press | date=26 October 2023 | access-date=6 November 2023 | archive-date=7 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107232124/https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-wont-extend-deadline-for-expelling-illegal-immigrants-interior-minister/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and claimed that the deportation is in line with international law.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | title='Illegal foreigners repatriation compliant with int'l norms' | access-date=4 November 2023 | archive-date=3 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103091411/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | url-status=live }}</ref>

Caretaker Prime Minister [[Anwarul Haq Kakar]] said that the government's repatriation policy is not exclusive to Afghan nationals, but applies to all illegal immigrants in Pakistan. He stated that despite not being a signatory to the [[Geneva Convention]], Pakistan has hosted over 4 million Afghan refugees for the past 40 years. He said that while not all Afghans are involved in illegal activities, certain groups contribute to the problem.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/30/deportation-process-applies-to-all-illegal-aliens-kakar/ | title=Deportation process applies to all illegal 'aliens': Kakar | date=30 October 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104181309/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/10/30/deportation-process-applies-to-all-illegal-aliens-kakar/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Foreign Office spokesperson [[Mumtaz Zahra Baloch]] stated that the operation is not aimed at any particular nationality and the repatriation process adheres to international norms and principles, and will not affect foreign nationals who are legally residing or registered in Pakistan. She said that the government "takes its commitments towards protection and safety needs of those in vulnerable situations with utmost seriousness",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | title='Illegal foreigners repatriation compliant with int'l norms' | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=3 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103091411/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1124276-illegal-foreigners-repatriation-compliant-with-international-norms-pakistan | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40266732 | title=Illegal immigrants: Operation not aimed at any particular nationality: FO | date=6 October 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104180607/https://www.brecorder.com/news/40266732 | url-status=live }}</ref> and that the repatriation of "illegals" will continue without revision.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners-to-continue-without-any-reconsideration-fo/ | title=Repatriation of illegal foreigners to continue without any reconsideration: FO | date=2 November 2023 | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104183511/https://www.app.com.pk/national/repatriation-of-illegal-foreigners-to-continue-without-any-reconsideration-fo/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Interim Home Minister [[Sarfraz Bugti]] stated that the government's deportation drive is aimed at including all people living illegally in the country, not just Afghans. He said that the government's message regarding action against illegal residents was misunderstood.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.24newshd.tv/25-Oct-2023/deportation-drive-aimed-at-all-illegal-residents-not-solely-afghans-bugti | title=Deportation drive aimed at all illegal residents, not solely Afghans: Bugti | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104180839/https://www.24newshd.tv/25-Oct-2023/deportation-drive-aimed-at-all-illegal-residents-not-solely-afghans-bugti | url-status=live }}</ref> The statement was made at a time when the government's deadline for illegal residents to leave the country was approaching.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://article.wn.com/view/2023/10/25/Interior_minister_insists_deportation_drive_aimed_at_all_ill/ | title=Interior minister insists deportation drive aimed at all illegal residents_ not solely Afghans | access-date=5 November 2023 | archive-date=4 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104180838/https://article.wn.com/view/2023/10/25/Interior_minister_insists_deportation_drive_aimed_at_all_ill/ | url-status=live }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Expulsion of Asians from Uganda]]
* [[Deportation of Afghan immigrants from the United States]]
* [[Anti-Afghan sentiment]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{Afghanistan–Pakistan relations}}
{{Afghanistan–Pakistan relations}}
{{Portal bar|Afghanistan|Pakistan|Politics}}

[[Category:2023 in Pakistan]]
[[Category:2023 in Pakistan]]
[[Category:2023 controversies]]
[[Category:Afghanistan–Pakistan relations]]
[[Category:Afghanistan–Pakistan relations]]
[[Category:Immigration to Pakistan]]
[[Category:Controversies in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Deportation]]
[[Category:Deportation]]
[[Category:Human rights in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Human rights abuses in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Immigration to Pakistan]]
[[Category:Refugees in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Refugees in Pakistan]]

Latest revision as of 21:09, 29 October 2024

In October 2023, the government of Pakistan announced a plan to deport foreign nationals who either did not have valid visas or had overstayed their visa for more than one year. The mass deportations primarily affected those Afghans who fled to Pakistan after Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. There were an estimated 3.8 million Afghans in Pakistan at the time the deportation order was announced, according to the United Nations, while Pakistani authorities believed the number to be as high as 4.4 million.[1][2][3] Of these, only a few held the required documentation allowing them to legally stay in Pakistan.[1] Afghans accounted for 98% of the foreign nationals in Pakistan.[4] Deportations were to start from 1 November 2023. An estimated 746,800 Afghans were deported from Pakistan by 1 April 2024.[5]

The government cited increasing crime and violence, including suicide attacks, as the motivation for the mass deportations. However, outside observers noted there were likely also political reasons for the sudden deportations, for example that the Pakistan Army hoped to pressure the Taliban, who control the Afghan government, into a more cooperative foreign policy.[6] Some also argued that Pakistan is instituting collective punishment against Afghans and Afghan immigrants were being scapegoated for Pakistan's economic crisis.[7][8][9]

Background

[edit]

Afghan migration to Pakistan dates back to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which led to over three million Afghans seeking refuge in Pakistan.[10] Significant waves of Afghan refugees also came to Pakistan after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and in 2021 when the Taliban returned to power following the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.[11] While some have returned home, around 4.4 million Afghan nationals, both documented and undocumented, remained in Pakistan in October 2023 according to government figures. Many were born and raised in Pakistan and have never been to Afghanistan.[12][13] The government claimed around 1.7 million were without visas.[14]

The government stated the deportations were a response to an increase in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Pakistani officials said there have been 24 suicide bombings since January, 14 of which were carried out by Afghan nationals.[15] Eight of the 11 militants who recently attacked two Pakistani military installations in southwestern Balochistan province were Afghans.[16] The Pakistani government attributes this surge in violence to the Afghan Taliban providing safe harbor to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which organised several of these attacks.

On 3 October 2023, in a high committee meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) chaired by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, all foreign nationals residing illegally in the country have to voluntarily leave the country or face deportation by 31 October.[17][18] During this time, 100,000–165,000 Afghans voluntarily left Pakistan.[19][20] Sarfraz Bugti, the interim Interior Minister, disclosed that a significant portion of suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were orchestrated by Afghan citizens.[21]

Logistics

[edit]

On 1 November, the Ministry of Interior issued instructions to all provinces to deport illegal aliens under the Foreigners Act, 1946.[22] The government deployed law enforcement officials across the country.[23] It also launched a phone hotline for people to inform on undocumented immigrants.[24]

The Ministry of Interior has established 49 holding areas throughout the country to detain undocumented immigrants. These holding centers have been set up in all 36 districts of Punjab, three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Peshawar, Haripur and Khyber districts, two in Sindh: Kemari and Malir districts and three in Balochistan: Quetta, Chagai and Pishin districts. One holding center has also been established in the federal capital Islamabad and Gilgit.[25]

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti directed authorities and agencies to treat undocumented migrants with respect while they are detained,[26] but also threatened anyone involved in aiding, harboring, or renting a home to an undocumented immigrant with prosecution. He urged Pakistani citizens to inform the government about illegal immigrants and their residences.[27][28]

Deportation

[edit]

There have been numerous reports of both undocumented Afghans and Afghans who have refugee status being targeted by police amidst the campaign:[29][30] and around US$4 billion in Afghan-owned properties and other assets have reportedly been seized by Pakistan's government.[31]

In an effort to regulate illegal immigration, Pakistan is implementing the "One Document Regime" (ODR). This policy mandates all foreign nationals, including Afghans, to possess a valid visa for travel to the country. The ODR, already operational at the Torkham border crossing, is a significant step in controlling the movement of people and goods across the border.[32][33]

As of 5 November 2023, according to Pakistani border officials, 174,358 Afghan nationals in total left for Afghanistan since 17 September 2023.[34]

Balochistan

[edit]

To accelerate the deportation process, additional crossing points have been established in Qila Saifullah, Qameruddin Karez, and Baracha Noor Wahab in the Chagai district by the authorities in Balochistan. These steps are designed to aid Afghan and Iranian Baloch immigrants in adhering to the 31 October deadline.[35]

Islamabad

[edit]

The Islamabad police has finished the process of marking the locations of Afghan individuals residing in various areas of the federal capital. Additionally, a survey regarding the properties owned by Afghan nationals is currently in progress.[36]

Afghans who failed to leave the country were detained in nationwide sweeps and had their illegal mud-brick houses on the outskirts of the capital Islamabad demolished.[37][38]

Punjab

[edit]

After the deadline expired, a deportation operation for illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans, was launched across Punjab. The plan, finalized by Punjab's Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, began its phased evacuation of illegal immigrants on 3 November.[39] The operation spans multiple divisions within Punjab, such as Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.[40] Small number of Pakistani citizens have also been wrongfully arrested and detained as Afghan citizens.[41]

Sindh

[edit]

The Caretaker Cabinet of Sindh has decided to allocate 4.5 billion rupees for the repatriation of illegal immigrants. This amount was required for the repatriation of illegal aliens from Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana and Mirpurkhas divisions. The cabinet approved funds beyond the budget allocation.[42][43]

Criticism

[edit]

In November 2023, Pakistan Imposed an $830 (£660) exit fee on Afghan refugees and illegal immigrants.[44] The "unprecedented" action targets refugees who are waiting to leave Pakistan for western nations as part of resettlement programs. The United Nations and Western diplomats have denounced as "shocking and frustrating" Pakistan's move to charge hundreds of dollars in exit fees to each Afghan refugee who fled the Taliban's persecution.[45]

The BBC was informed by the UNHCR that it is working to "resolve the issue". "We are urging the government to waive these obligations for refugees. "Pakistani laws, like the immigration laws in other countries including the United Kingdom, have fines and punishments for individuals who overstay their visas or are in violation of immigration laws," a spokesman for the nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[46]

Reactions

[edit]

Afghan government

[edit]

The Taliban-led government has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan's move to deport Afghans residing in the country without permission, urging the Pakistani government to reconsider its decision.[47]

International organizations

[edit]

The ongoing mass deportation has been condemned by the United Nations and Human Rights Watch, with the latter calling on Pakistan to halt the deportations while also calling on Western countries to immediately expediate the immigration process for those Afghans in Pakistan who are deemed to be "particularly at risk" if they are sent to Afghanistan.[48][49][50]

Amnesty International urged the reversal of the decision and condemned Pakistan's authorities for "arbitrarily arresting and harassing" Afghans living in the country.[51][52][53] The expulsions have further inflamed bilateral tensions with the Taliban government, which has criticized Pakistan's actions and urged the Pakistani government to "give more time" to Afghans leaving the country.[54][55]

The United Nations and international human rights organizations have raised alarms about Pakistan's intentions to remove Afghan individuals who entered the country illegally. They emphasize that a significant number, including those who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover in August 2021, are at risk of being deported.[56][57][58]

Pakistani government

[edit]

Pakistan's caretaker government has stated that there will be no extension of the deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country,[59][60] and claimed that the deportation is in line with international law.[61]

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar said that the government's repatriation policy is not exclusive to Afghan nationals, but applies to all illegal immigrants in Pakistan. He stated that despite not being a signatory to the Geneva Convention, Pakistan has hosted over 4 million Afghan refugees for the past 40 years. He said that while not all Afghans are involved in illegal activities, certain groups contribute to the problem.[62]

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that the operation is not aimed at any particular nationality and the repatriation process adheres to international norms and principles, and will not affect foreign nationals who are legally residing or registered in Pakistan. She said that the government "takes its commitments towards protection and safety needs of those in vulnerable situations with utmost seriousness",[63][64] and that the repatriation of "illegals" will continue without revision.[65]

Interim Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that the government's deportation drive is aimed at including all people living illegally in the country, not just Afghans. He said that the government's message regarding action against illegal residents was misunderstood.[66] The statement was made at a time when the government's deadline for illegal residents to leave the country was approaching.[67]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Pakistan issues final warning to illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily before the November 1 deadline". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. 26 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  2. ^ Ahmed, Munir. "Pakistan announces big crackdown on migrants in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans". ABC News. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Can Pakistan deport 1.7 million Afghan refugees? – DW – 10/04/2023". dw.com. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  4. ^ Hussain, Abid. "As Pakistan deports refugees, tense Afghanistan ties come in sharp focus". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 7 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023. According to the Pakistani government, there were about 4 million foreigners in the country before October 31, nearly 3.8 million of them Afghans. Of those, it says, only 2.2 million Afghans carry a government-approved document that makes them eligible to stay.
  5. ^ "Pakistan-Afghanistan: Returns Emergency Response (as of 4 April 2024) - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Pakistan PM says expulsion of Afghans a response to Taliban non-cooperation". Reuters. 8 November 2023. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  7. ^ "Pakistan expels undocumented Afghans. But at what price?". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  8. ^ Kugelman, Michael (1 November 2023). "Why Is Pakistan Expelling 1.7 Million Afghans?". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Forced expulsion". Dawn. 8 November 2023. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  10. ^ Ghosh, Anwesha (2019). "Afghan Migration and Pakistan's Policy Response: Dynamics of Continuity and Change". Public Policy Research in the Global South. pp. 215–230. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-06061-9_12. ISBN 978-3-030-06060-2. S2CID 159051369. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  11. ^ "Hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants face deportation from Pakistan". NBC News. 1 November 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  12. ^ Hussain, Abid. "'Where do I go back to?': Expelled Afghans battle chaos at Pakistan border". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  13. ^ Yeung, Sophia Saifi, Jessie (3 November 2023). "'There is no school for girls': Afghans who fled to Pakistan sent back to a homeland that is foreign to many". CNN. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ "Pakistan says it will deport 1.7m Afghans and all other 'illegal immigrants'". The Guardian. 6 October 2023. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  15. ^ Shahzad, Asif (3 October 2023). "Pakistan orders illegal immigrants, including 1.73 mln Afghans, to leave". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023 – via www.reuters.com.
  16. ^ "Pakistan to Begin Deportation of 1.7 Million Undocumented Afghans". Voice of America. 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  17. ^ "Govt launches action against Illegal immigrants as deadline ends". The Nation. 1 November 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  18. ^ Khan, Iftikhar A. (4 October 2023). "Undocumented 'aliens' given 28 days to leave". DAWN. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  19. ^ Hussain, Abid. "Thousands of Afghan refugees fleeing Pakistan as deportation deadline looms". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 4 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  20. ^ "More than 165,000 Afghans flee Pakistan after deportation order". France 24. 2 November 2023. Archived from the original on 4 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  21. ^ Hussain, Abid. "Why is Pakistan planning to deport undocumented Afghans?". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
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