International Body Urges Pakistan to Halt Forced Mass Deportations of Afghan Refugees

Displaced International, a global organization for displaced people, has expressed deep concern over the widespread and forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. The group has called on the Pakistani government to stop this process immediately, emphasizing that the detention and forced return of refugees must end. It stressed that repatriation should only occur voluntarily and in coordination with international agencies.

According to the organization’s statement, since late 2023, over five million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from neighboring countries. This figure, the organization warns, has further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation inside the country.

Afghanistan is currently facing a new wave of returnees amid ongoing economic crisis, widespread unemployment, and social restrictions under Taliban rule. Many residents continue to suffer from a lack of basic services. Aid agencies have previously cautioned that the capacity to absorb such a large number of returnees is limited in many areas.

Displaced International also underscored that Afghan refugees should not be used as tools for political purposes. The organization has urged Pakistan to ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified returns for refugees, in accordance with international law.