Overview

• The UN and International Organization for Migration have warned of a 'human rights catastrophe' if Pakistan proceeds with a mass deportation of Afghans who lack proper documentation, according to Deutsche Welle.
• Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai has criticized the Pakistani government's policy, calling for support, dignity, and safety for Afghan refugees instead of obstacles and harassment.
• While the Pakistani government insists that its deportation campaign is not aimed at any specific nationality, Afghans make up the majority of undocumented foreigners in the country.
• The UN agencies report a sharp increase in Afghans returning home due to fears of arrest and deportation; at least 600,000 undocumented Afghans fled after the Taliban's takeover in 2021.
• The potential return of Afghans to their home country raises concerns due to Afghanistan's current humanitarian crisis, particularly for women and girls, who face restrictions under the Taliban rule.