Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission criticized the forced expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, calling it “inhumane” and highlighting the resulting crisis faced by thousands of families. The commission’s annual report emphasized that Afghan refugees have been severely restricted from accessing essential services like healthcare and financial support due to Islamabad’s deportation policy. This decision has further burdened Afghan refugees, leading to increased struggles and a denial of crucial services, according to the human rights agency.
The commission urged Pakistan to adhere to human rights principles and treat migrants with dignity. It expressed concern over the international alarm caused by Pakistan’s actions and the impact on Afghan families. The US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch also raised concerns, stating that Pakistani authorities have intensified raids, detentions, and deportations of Afghan refugees following border clashes with Afghanistan.
Human Rights Watch highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable Afghan refugees, including children, in accessing healthcare and education due to the ongoing police operations. The forced deportation of Afghans from Pakistan may violate the country’s obligations under international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture. Fereshta Abbasi, a researcher at HRW, criticized Pakistani authorities for instilling fear among Afghan refugees and urged immediate action to stop abusive practices and deportations.
As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have heightened, Pakistani police have ramped up operations against Afghan individuals, conducting raids and arrests without warrants. The authorities have deported over 146,000 Afghans in 2026, with numbers rising significantly since April 1. The situation has raised concerns about human rights violations and the safety of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
