Pakistan Plans Mass Expulsion of Afghan Refugees Amid Tensions

The Afghan embassy in Pakistan has issued a warning regarding the imminent expulsion of Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi amidst rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Reports indicate that Afghan nationals have faced arrests, searches, and police orders to vacate these cities, with officials from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs allegedly confirming a plan to deport all Afghan refugees. Since September 2023, over 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, many due to fears of arrest and economic hardships in Pakistan. The Afghan embassy criticized the unilateral nature of Pakistan's actions, stating that the crackdown began without formal communication. While Pakistan has promised to allow registered refugees to stay until June 2025, the situation remains precarious for many Afghans living illegally in the country. The deteriorating relationship between the two nations has fueled these developments, with Pakistan accusing Kabul of failing to manage cross-border issues.