Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) has faced criticism for forcibly repatriating over two million Afghan refugees, including those with legal status, amid reports of arrests and coercion. Launched in October 2023, the plan has been denounced by international human rights groups and the United Nations for violating non-refoulement principles, which protect refugees from returning to danger.
By February 2026, the IFRP had led to the deportation of more than a million Afghans, even those without proper documentation, despite concerns over their safety and well-being. Amnesty International has condemned the plan for its perceived illegality and cruelty, urging its withdrawal and highlighting the risks faced by Afghans under Taliban rule.
The forced relocations under the IFRP have disrupted communities and livelihoods, with reports of police extortion, beatings, and arbitrary arrests targeting returnees. Women and children have been particularly vulnerable, facing challenges such as family separation, lack of shelter, and potential reprisals from the Taliban.
In response to the crisis, the international community has expressed concern but faces limitations in influencing Pakistan’s actions. While efforts have been made to provide aid and monitor the situation, calls for a more humane approach and the renewal of registrations for at-risk individuals have been issued.
