Inhumane Deadline Sparks Mass Exodus: Afghans in Pakistan Face Detention and Deportation

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan are facing the threat of detention and deportation as a government deadline for them to leave sparks a mass exodus. The Pakistani government issued an ultimatum in early October, giving 1.7 million Afghans living illegally in the country until November 1 to leave voluntarily or be forcibly removed. The number of returnees has mounted daily, with at least 29,000 people crossing into Afghanistan on Tuesday alone.

Conditions at the border post have deteriorated rapidly, with many children falling ill after sleeping in the cold. The Pakistani government claims that the order is to protect its welfare and security after a rise in attacks it blames on militants operating from Afghanistan. Human Rights Watch has voiced concern for Afghans awaiting resettlement in other countries, as they may now face deportation after their Pakistani visas expired. The government and UN agencies are providing some services and support, but it is not enough to meet the needs of the returning Afghans.