Pakistan deports over 80,000 Afghan migrants

The Pakistani government has confirmed that it has repatriated more than 80,000 Afghan migrants who were living in the country illegally since April 1. The Afghan government is describing this process as "forced deportation," according to international media reports.

The move is part of the Pakistani government's plan to deport more than 3 million Afghan citizens from Pakistan by the end of 2023.

According to Talal Chaudhry, an adviser to the Pakistani Interior Ministry, the deadline for Afghan migrants will no longer be extended.

"All provinces have been given clear instructions: those who provide shops, houses or other accommodation to illegal immigrants will be held accountable under the law," Chaudhry said.

Initially, Afghan immigrants without valid documents were to leave the country by March 31, but this deadline was later extended to April 30. The International Organization for Migration reported that Pakistan had deported nearly 60,000 Afghans since the beginning of April.

Meanwhile, the German government reported that it had taken in 138 Afghan citizens from vulnerable groups living in Islamabad.

There have also been reports that Iranian police are also arresting and deporting Afghan citizens with legal documents.

[b]Important: Who is at risk?
- Undocumented migrants,
- Those who do not have an "Afghanistan card",
- Migrants working temporarily on the streets and in markets,
- Local citizens who provide them with housing will also be held accountable.

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