Punjab authorities reported that nearly 2.7 million Afghans have returned to their country since Pakistan initiated a nationwide deportation campaign targeting “illegal immigrants,” primarily Afghan nationals, in late 2023. The figures were released by the Punjab government on Sunday as operations against undocumented foreign nationals continue.
The deportation drive was launched in response to a surge in militant violence, including suicide bombings, which authorities attributed to security concerns. This policy has caused tensions with Afghanistan, where many deported individuals have family ties. The campaign has also raised concerns about human rights and the treatment of detainees.
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has emphasized that the operation is part of broader efforts to strengthen border security and combat terrorism. However, critics argue that the policy has led to the displacement of vulnerable populations and has complicated humanitarian efforts. The government has not provided detailed statistics on the number of deportees or the conditions under which they were processed.
The situation remains a point of contention between Islamabad and Kabul, with ongoing discussions about the humanitarian impact and the legal status of those affected. (arabnews.pk)
