Mass deportations continue as Pakistan expels over 7,700 migrants in a single day

The Taliban’s Commission for Refugees said on Monday that more than 7,700 Afghan migrants were deported from Pakistan the previous day, as Islamabad continues a sweeping crackdown on undocumented foreigners. An additional 246 individuals were expelled from Iran on the same day, the commission said.

The deportees entered the country through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings in the east and south. The commission also confirmed that at least 6,000 Afghans had been expelled from Pakistan on Saturday, Nov. 15, underscoring the scale and pace of the returns.

The wave of deportations comes amid growing concern over the capacity to absorb and assist the returnees. Many of those expelled arrive back in Afghanistan with no shelter, financial resources, or access to basic services such as healthcare, clean water, or education.

Human rights groups and international organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly urged Pakistan to halt the forced expulsions, warning that the returnees—many of whom fled Afghanistan due to persecution or economic hardship—face serious risks upon return. Among them are women, children, and journalists, as well as former members of the Afghan security forces.

According to the Taliban’s refugee commission, more than 350,000 Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan since early October, when Pakistani authorities began enforcing a controversial new policy requiring all undocumented foreigners—an estimated 1.7 million people, mostly Afghans—to leave the country voluntarily or face arrest and deportation.

Pakistan has defended the move on national security grounds, claiming that some Afghan nationals have been involved in recent terror attacks. But rights groups say the mass deportations violate international norms and amount to collective punishment of a vulnerable population.

Many returnees are being temporarily housed in overcrowded transit camps with minimal support.

Afghanistan is already grappling with a deepening economic crisis, widespread unemployment, and the impact of repeated natural disasters. Aid agencies warn that the influx of deportees risks exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, particularly as winter sets in.

Despite international appeals, the expulsions have continued. Pakistani police have reportedly established special units dedicated to identifying and detaining undocumented Afghans in major cities, including Rawalpindi and Karachi.

Tensions between Taliban and Pakistan have also escalated in recent weeks, and major border crossings have remained closed for 38 consecutive days. Taliban have announced new restrictions on trade with Pakistan, including a decision to halt pharmaceutical imports.