Kabul, Afghanistan – Amnesty International is calling on the Pakistani government to halt the detention, harassment, and deportation of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. The organization warns that conditions in Afghanistan remain dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations.
Concerns Over Deportations
Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard expressed these concerns in an open letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The letter urges Pakistani authorities to protect the rights of Afghan refugees, specifically safeguarding them from arbitrary detention and eviction.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 110,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Pakistan are considered at serious risk and require international protection. Amnesty International specifically highlighted the dangers faced by women, journalists, and human rights activists if returned to Afghanistan, citing restrictions and reported abuses under Taliban rule.
Principle of Non-Refoulement
Amnesty International warns that the forced return of refugees may violate the principle of “non-refoulement,” an international law prohibiting the return of individuals to countries where their life or freedom would be threatened. Pakistan began intensifying repatriation efforts with the launch of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” in September 2023, impacting both undocumented and legally recognized refugees.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 1,495,851 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the start of the deportation campaign, with 778,739 returning in 2025 alone. Similar deportation efforts are occurring in Iran, with over four million Afghans deported or forced to return from both countries since September 2023, including more than 2.6 million in 2025. On Thursday, Taliban authorities reported receiving over 3,300 returned refugees.
Rights groups, UN agencies, and activists have consistently appealed to Pakistan and Iran to suspend these deportations, emphasizing the ongoing instability and safety risks within Afghanistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “principle of non-refoulement”?
The principle of “non-refoulement” forbids sending refugees to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
When did Pakistan begin increasing deportations?
Pakistan intensified efforts to repatriate Afghan refugees with the launch of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” in September 2023.
How many Afghan refugees have returned since the start of the deportation campaign?
According to the International Organization for Migration, 1,495,851 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the deportation campaign began.
Given the ongoing concerns about safety and human rights, it is possible that international pressure on Pakistan and Iran could increase. It is also likely that the number of Afghan refugees seeking alternative routes and destinations may rise. Further developments will depend on the evolving political and security situation within Afghanistan and the policies of neighboring countries.
