Pakistan has expelled more than 80,000 Afghan nationals since the end of March as part of its intensified repatriation efforts ahead of the April 30 deadline.
A senior government official confirmed that the expulsions are part of a broader initiative to manage illegal immigration, which Islamabad argues is necessary for national security and social stability.
Thousands of Afghans, many of whom fled Afghanistan during times of conflict, have been asked to leave Pakistan voluntarily or face forced deportation.
In various cities, makeshift camps have been set up near border crossings to facilitate the return process.
Pakistan insists that it is targeting only undocumented migrants, but humanitarian groups have raised concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals, including women and children.
Officials stressed that the government remains committed to orderly and humane repatriations, although many Afghans report hardships, including the loss of homes, jobs, and access to education.
The large-scale deportations could strain resources in Afghanistan, already grappling with economic challenges.
Efforts are underway to provide some financial support to returning families through aid organizations, although the scale of the task is daunting.
The repatriation drive reflects a tightening immigration policy in Pakistan amid rising political and economic pressures.
Afghanistan’s caretaker government has urged Pakistan to adopt a more humane approach and provide sufficient time for migrants to adjust.
The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called for careful, rights-respecting implementation of the repatriation plan.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior maintains that the initiative is not targeting any specific group based on ethnicity or politics.
More repatriations are expected in the coming weeks as the April 30 deadline approaches.
Local reports suggest an atmosphere of fear among Afghan communities living across Pakistan.
Temporary relief shelters and basic medical services have been established at the main exit points.
Pakistan says the current effort will bring better regulation and control over illegal entries in the future.
The issue of undocumented Afghans has been a longstanding point of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Authorities have clarified that legal Afghan residents with valid documents are not affected by the ongoing campaign.
Officials highlighted that national security remains a top priority, particularly in light of regional instability.
The next phase of deportations may involve stricter border enforcement and monitoring.