Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has voiced concern over Pakistan’s forced deportation of Afghan refugees, condemning the mistreatment many face. In a meeting with Pakistan’s Chargé d’affaires, Obaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani, Muttaqi urged better treatment and coordination. Pakistan recently ordered all Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave by March 31, prompting mass expulsions and alleged police abuse.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the returnee crisis is escalating rapidly. About 20,000 Afghans are now crossing back daily through Torkham and Spin Boldak, overwhelming humanitarian systems. IFRC warns of dire conditions at overcrowded border centres, with critical shortages in shelter, medical aid, and basic supplies.
With 2.8 million Afghans in Pakistan—half of them undocumented—ongoing demolitions of informal settlements have heightened fears and pushed even more to return. Humanitarian agencies stress the urgent need for coordinated, well-funded support to protect vulnerable returnees amid this growing crisis.
