What's happened
Since early April 2025, Pakistan has escalated its campaign to deport over 800,000 Afghans, leading to significant humanitarian concerns. Many Afghans, including families like Nazmine Khan's, are returning to Afghanistan under dire conditions, facing restrictions imposed by the Taliban. Diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan are ongoing amid rising tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Impact
- The forced return of Afghans to a Taliban-controlled regime raises serious humanitarian concerns, particularly for women and children who face severe restrictions on their rights.
- Reports indicate that many returnees are arriving in Afghanistan with little more than the clothes on their backs, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Political Dynamics
- The deportation campaign is not only a domestic issue but also a geopolitical one, as it reflects Pakistan's strained relations with Afghanistan and the broader implications for regional stability.
- The Pakistani government is leveraging anti-Afghan sentiment to consolidate domestic support, while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic talks with Taliban officials, indicating a complex dual strategy.
Future Outlook
- As the situation evolves, the international community must monitor the implications of these deportations on regional security and humanitarian conditions. The potential for increased instability in Afghanistan could have ripple effects across South Asia.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Pakistani government has expelled over 80,000 Afghans since April 1, 2025, citing security concerns and rising violence linked to Afghan militants. In contrast, The New Arab highlights the plight of Afghan refugees facing discrimination and lack of access to basic services in Pakistan, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis that accompanies these deportations. Al Jazeera reports on the diplomatic efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, noting that despite the ongoing deportations, high-level talks are taking place to address mutual concerns. This juxtaposition illustrates the complexity of the situation, where humanitarian needs clash with political agendas.
How we got here
The deportation campaign stems from Pakistan's long-standing tensions with the Taliban, which have intensified since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The Pakistani government has cited rising violence and security threats as justification for the crackdown on Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades.
Go deeper
- What are the conditions like for returning Afghans?
- How is the international community responding to this situation?
- What are the implications for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations?
Common question
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Why is Pakistan Deporting Afghan Refugees?
The recent deportation of Afghan refugees by Pakistan has raised significant concerns and questions. With over 800,000 Afghans facing forced returns, many are left wondering about the humanitarian implications, the treatment of returnees, and the broader geopolitical context. This page addresses key questions surrounding this pressing issue.
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What is the Current State of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
As tensions rise between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly over the deportation of Afghan refugees, recent diplomatic efforts signal a potential shift in relations. This page explores the key questions surrounding the recent visit of Pakistan's Foreign Minister to Kabul and the implications for both countries.
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What is the Humanitarian Crisis Caused by Pakistan's Deportation of Afghans?
Since early April 2025, Pakistan has ramped up its efforts to deport over 800,000 Afghans, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. This situation raises numerous questions about the conditions faced by those being deported, the international response, and the implications for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Below, we explore these pressing issues and provide insights into the ongoing crisis.
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How are North Korean hackers targeting job seekers?
Recent reports reveal alarming tactics employed by North Korean hackers to exploit job seekers in the U.S. This raises significant concerns about cybersecurity and the safety of personal information for applicants. Understanding these threats is crucial for anyone navigating the job market today.
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What is the current situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan?
The humanitarian crisis surrounding Afghan refugees in Pakistan has escalated dramatically since early April 2025. With over 800,000 Afghans facing expulsion, many are returning to Afghanistan under dire conditions. This situation raises critical questions about the international response and the challenges these refugees encounter upon their return.
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What are the humanitarian implications of Pakistan's deportation of Afghans?
Pakistan's recent decision to deport over 800,000 Afghans has raised significant humanitarian concerns. As families like Nazmine Khan's face the harsh realities of returning to Afghanistan, questions arise about the implications of these deportations on both individuals and the broader region. This page explores the various facets of this crisis, including the challenges faced by returning families, ongoing diplomatic efforts, and the restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Muhammad Ishaq Dar is a Pakistani accountant and member of the Senate serving as the 42nd Finance Minister of Pakistan since September 28, 2022.
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The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
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Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan, located in the eastern section of the country. It is also a municipality, forming part of the greater Kabul Province, and divided into 22 districts.
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The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.