Pakistan to Expel 3 Million Afghan Nationals by 2025 Amid Security Concerns
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| The repatriation process of Afghan nationals, with Pakistan aiming to expel 3 million by 2025, continues amidst growing security concerns. |
In a significant move to address the issue of undocumented foreign nationals residing in Pakistan, the federal government has announced plans to expel approximately 3 million Afghan nationals by the end of 2025. This decision has been driven by concerns over national security, strained resources, and the growing challenge of managing undocumented migrants. The ongoing repatriation process, which began in earnest earlier this year, has already seen over 800,000 Afghan nationals voluntarily return to their homeland. With the deadline for voluntary departure from Islamabad and Rawalpindi having passed, the government is now preparing for a more formal and structured repatriation process.
The Context Behind the Deportation Decision
The decision to expel Afghan nationals has not come without controversy. Over the past few decades, Afghanistan has experienced significant political instability, with conflicts, wars, and economic hardships leading millions of Afghan refugees to seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Pakistan. At the height of the refugee crisis, Pakistan hosted over 3 million Afghan nationals. While many Afghans fled the war-torn regions of Afghanistan, others have overstayed their visas, living in Pakistan without legal documentation.
Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations for decades. The issue of Afghan nationals living in Pakistan without proper documentation has been a persistent challenge for successive governments. As the political and economic conditions in Afghanistan continue to evolve, particularly after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Pakistan's government has increasingly focused on ensuring that foreign nationals comply with immigration laws.
In recent years, the government has implemented various measures to curb illegal immigration and to create a more regulated and controlled environment for refugees and migrants. The decision to deport millions of undocumented Afghan nationals is seen as part of this broader strategy to tighten border security and reduce the pressure on local resources.
The Repatriation Process: Milestones and Challenges
As of early May 2025, over 800,000 Afghan nationals have already been repatriated. The government of Pakistan had initially given Afghan nationals in major cities, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, a deadline to voluntarily depart by the end of April. With this deadline now passed, the government is preparing for a more coordinated and enforced deportation process.
This large-scale repatriation effort involves a variety of logistical, humanitarian, and diplomatic challenges. Ensuring that Afghan nationals are able to return to Afghanistan safely requires coordination between both countries, as well as with international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The process involves documentation verification, transportation, and providing adequate support to those returning to Afghanistan, which remains politically unstable in many regions.
One of the key concerns during the repatriation process is the condition of returning refugees. Many Afghan nationals have been living in Pakistan for years, and their return to Afghanistan may be fraught with difficulties, including a lack of adequate housing, employment, and access to basic services in Afghanistan's many unstable regions.
Political and Social Reactions
The government’s decision to expel undocumented Afghan nationals has sparked debate both within Pakistan and internationally. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the potential for mistreatment and the vulnerability of the returning refugees, particularly as Afghanistan continues to face political unrest. Critics argue that the sudden deportation may place an undue burden on the already fragile infrastructure of Afghanistan, exacerbating the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
On the other hand, supporters of the government’s stance argue that the repatriation process is essential for safeguarding Pakistan’s national security and ensuring that the country’s resources are allocated fairly to its own citizens. Pakistan's government has repeatedly stated that the influx of undocumented Afghan nationals has strained the country's social and economic fabric, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and employment.
Moreover, Pakistan’s officials have emphasized the importance of adhering to international immigration norms while ensuring that the repatriation process is conducted with dignity and in compliance with international humanitarian standards.
Implications for Bilateral Relations
The deportation of Afghan nationals also has significant diplomatic implications for Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan. While the two countries share a long and complex border, the deportation process risks further souring ties between Islamabad and Kabul. Afghanistan’s leadership, particularly under the Taliban regime, may view this mass expulsion as a politically motivated move that undermines their sovereignty.
However, Pakistan has maintained that the deportation is a necessary measure to address internal security concerns and to comply with national laws. The repatriation process is also seen as an attempt to bolster Pakistan’s relations with Western powers, which have long pressured Pakistan to regulate its immigration policies more strictly.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move for National Security
Pakistan’s plan to expel 3 million Afghan nationals by the end of 2025 marks a critical juncture in the country’s approach to managing foreign nationals and refugees. The government’s decision to enforce stricter immigration policies is a response to growing concerns about national security, economic strain, and the need to comply with international norms. While the repatriation process faces significant challenges, both logistically and politically, the government remains committed to ensuring the orderly departure of undocumented Afghan nationals.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to engage in constructive dialogue and work together to ensure that the repatriation process is carried out in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of those affected.
References:
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"Pakistan to expel 3 million Afghan nationals by 2025," AP News, 2025.
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