Afghan families flee Pakistan as deportations intensify

Afghan families are fleeing Pakistan, fearing arrest and public humiliation as authorities ramp up deportations of undocumented migrants. Islamabad aims to expel 800,000 Afghans in the second phase of a campaign that has already removed a similar number since 2023. Over 24,000 Afghans have left since April 1, with more than 10,000 deported, according to the UN. In cities like Karachi and Peshawar, police raids and public warnings have prompted many to leave voluntarily. Human Rights Watch criticized Pakistan’s tactics, warning of persecution and hardship awaiting returnees in Afghanistan. Despite the humanitarian concerns, many Pakistanis support the deportations, blaming Afghans for rising violence.