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2 Million Afghan Refugees Remain in Pakistan Amid Deportation Crackdown

A UNHCR report reveals nearly two million Afghan refugees continue to live in Pakistan, despite over a million returning to Afghanistan in 2025. Refugees have reported brutal treatment by Pakistani authorities, including arrests and torture, while pleading for more time, especially during winter, to return voluntarily. Concurrently, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees reports tens of thousands of families have recently returned, many from Pakistan. Deported Afghans are now calling on the Taliban-led government to create employment opportunities that match the skills they acquired abroad.

Key Points: 2M Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: UNHCR Report on Deportations

  • 2M refugees remain in Pakistan
  • Refugees allege police brutality
  • Calls for deportation deadline extension
  • Deportees seek job opportunities in Afghanistan
2 min read

Nearly 2 million Afghan refugees still living in Pakistan amid deportations: UNHCR report

UNHCR reports nearly 2 million Afghan refugees still in Pakistan despite mass returns. Refugees allege mistreatment and seek more time & jobs.

"Afghan refugees are being brutally arrested, tortured, and deported by Pakistani police. – Zahir Bahand, Afghan journalist"

Kabul, December 27

Nearly two million Afghan refugees are currently living in Pakistan, according to a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tolo News reported, citing Pakistani media.

The report said that although more than one million Afghans returned to their country in 2025, a large number of Afghan citizens continue to remain in Pakistan.

"Despite the return of more than one million Afghans to Afghanistan in 2025, according to the latest data published by the UNHCR, nearly two million Afghans still live in Pakistan," the report said.

Afghan refugees have urged authorities to give them more time to return home, especially during the winter season.

Mohammad, an Afghan refugee, told Tolo News, "We should be given more time to gather our belongings and return to our country after winter ends."

Zahir Bahand, an Afghan journalist based in Pakistan, alleged mistreatment of Afghan refugees by Pakistani authorities.

"Afghan refugees are being brutally arrested, tortured, and deported by Pakistani police. What the refugees are asking for is a deadline extension so they can return home voluntarily," he told Tolo News.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported that 27,000 families returned to the country over the past month.

A spokesperson for the ministry said that around 25,000 of these families returned from Pakistan.

Abdul Muttalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said, "In the month of Qaws this year, a total of 27,667 families comprising 141,645 individuals returned to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, either voluntarily or forcibly. Among them, 25,489 families came from Pakistan, and 2,161 families from Iran."

The development comes amid repeated complaints by Afghan refugees in Pakistan about harsh treatment by security forces, according to Tolo News.

Several Afghan migrants who have been deported from Iran and Pakistan are now calling for job opportunities in Afghanistan.

They said they spent years gaining experience and skills in areas such as agriculture, mobile phone repair, and other technical trades, and now expect the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to create employment opportunities that match their skills.

Nadeem Shah, who was deported from Pakistan, told Tolo News, "Back there, we had work and a livelihood. Now that we are here, our skill is in mobile phone repair. There should be opportunities so we can continue this work."

Other deportees from Iran and Pakistan echoed similar demands, seeking employment in fields where they have prior training and experience.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the treatment sounds harsh, we in India also have to be mindful of our own security. Pakistan has a history of using such crises to push people across borders. Our government is right to be vigilant, but we should also support humanitarian efforts.
A
Arjun K
The real issue is the lack of opportunity in Afghanistan. These people have skills! The focus should be on creating jobs and stability there so refugees can return and rebuild their nation with dignity. Endless displacement helps no one.
S
Sarah B
Reading about the arrests and torture is deeply disturbing. No country should treat vulnerable people this way. The UNHCR needs to have a stronger voice here. The world cannot look away.
V
Vikram M
It's a complex issue. Pakistan hosted them for decades, which is a burden. But the way it's being handled now is wrong. A phased, voluntary return with support is the only ethical solution. Hope the Afghan government steps up for its citizens.
K
Karthik V
With respect, I think India's media should also focus on our own challenges with refugees and migration. We have lessons to learn here about compassion and policy. We can't just point fingers at Pakistan.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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