Mass Exodus: Over 200,000 Afghans Leave Pakistan Amid Renewed Deportation Efforts
A surge in departures marks significant demographic shifts as Pakistan reaffirms its deportation policy for Afghan nationals.
In the past two months, more than 200,000 Afghans have departed from Pakistan, according to the Interior Ministry of Pakistan.
This exodus follows the government's renewed deportation plan initiated in April 2025. Reports indicate that approximately 135,000 individuals were sent back to Afghanistan in April alone, with an additional 67,000 leaving in May. The trend continued into June, where over 3,000 Afghans were deported in the first two days.
Historically, millions of Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan over the last several decades, largely due to ongoing conflicts and instability in Afghanistan.
The situation intensified after the Taliban regained control of the country in August 2021, following the withdrawal of American troops, prompting a significant number of Afghans to return to Kabul.
Nevertheless, the ongoing repatriation program, which commenced in 2023, has seen over 1 million Afghans leaving Pakistan since its implementation.
The Pakistani government's deportation efforts have stirred concerns regarding humanitarian implications, as many of those departing face uncertain futures in Afghanistan.
The international community continues to observe the situation, amid increasing debates about the treatment and rights of Afghan refugees and returnees.
This exodus follows the government's renewed deportation plan initiated in April 2025. Reports indicate that approximately 135,000 individuals were sent back to Afghanistan in April alone, with an additional 67,000 leaving in May. The trend continued into June, where over 3,000 Afghans were deported in the first two days.
Historically, millions of Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan over the last several decades, largely due to ongoing conflicts and instability in Afghanistan.
The situation intensified after the Taliban regained control of the country in August 2021, following the withdrawal of American troops, prompting a significant number of Afghans to return to Kabul.
Nevertheless, the ongoing repatriation program, which commenced in 2023, has seen over 1 million Afghans leaving Pakistan since its implementation.
The Pakistani government's deportation efforts have stirred concerns regarding humanitarian implications, as many of those departing face uncertain futures in Afghanistan.
The international community continues to observe the situation, amid increasing debates about the treatment and rights of Afghan refugees and returnees.