Islamabad [Pakistan]: Amid ongoing mass deportations, Taliban officials have called on Pakistan to work out a joint mechanism for the gradual and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees. The appeal comes as Islamabad pushes forward with its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), leading to a sharp spike in deportations since April 1, 2025.
In a recent statement, Mufti Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, reiterated that forced deportation harms both countries and violates international law and Islamic values.
“If Pakistan unilaterally sends refugees, we are fully prepared to receive them. But there should be a joint mechanism so they return with honour,” said Haqqani in an interview with Hurriyat Radio.
Pakistan Presses On with Deportations
Despite repeated calls for coordination, Pakistan has not agreed to Taliban requests and has pressed forward with the repatriation process. According to the Interior Ministry, all illegal foreigners and Afghan Citizenship Card (ACC) holders were advised to leave voluntarily by March 31, with deportations commencing April 1.
A senior official from Khyber district told Dawn that 11,272 Afghans have been deported since April 1, with 850 cases processed at the Landi Kotal and Torkham camps on Sunday alone.
“777 Afghans were deported just on Saturday,” said the official.
Under the IFRP enforced since November 1, 2023, more than 700,000 undocumented Afghans have already left Pakistan.
Afghanistan Readies for Returnees
Taliban officials claim that Afghanistan is prepared to receive returnees, but request a phased and humane process. Camps have been established at Torkham to provide initial assistance. Refugees will be given land, employment, and tax exemptions for up to five years to encourage reintegration.
“A commission has been formed to support returnees. Those with skills will be offered jobs, and investors will enjoy tax holidays,” said Haqqani.
On Friday, 325 refugees entered Afghanistan through Torkham, including 62 families and 31 individuals. Nangarhar’s Deputy Governor Maulvi Azizullah Mustafa visited the border to oversee arrangements and enhance coordination.
International and Regional Concerns Mount
UNHCR’s Pakistan representative Philippa Candler reported that Pakistan currently hosts:
- 1.52 million registered Afghan refugees and asylum seekers
- 800,000 Afghan citizenship holders
- A significant number of unregistered Afghans
The sudden mass deportations have raised humanitarian concerns, with observers urging both nations to uphold human rights and develop a mutually respectful framework for refugee returns.