Pakistan confirms its expulsion of more than 80,000 Afghans since April 1

Al Jazeera

Pakistan has confirmed to have repatriated more than 80,000 Afghan nationals since April 1, before an extended April 30 deadline for the country’s largest migrant group in an initiative labelled as “forced deportation” by Afghanistan.

Talal Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry adviser, told reporters in Islamabad on Friday that there would be no more extensions to the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan launched in late 2023 for more than three million Afghans.“We have communicated clear instructions to all provinces, if anyone gives a shop, house, or any kind of space to an illegal foreigner, they will be held accountable under the law,” he said.

Those lacking valid documents or holding Afghan Citizen Cards had initially been ordered to leave by March 31. That deadline was later extended by a month.

On Tuesday, the International Organization for Migration, a UN entity, said Pakistan has expelled nearly 60,000 Afghans since the start of April.

“With a new wave of large-scale returns now under way from Pakistan, needs on the ground are rising rapidly – both at the border and in areas of return that are struggling to absorb large numbers of returnees,” Mihyung Park, head of the IOM’s Afghanistan mission, said at t

On Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is due to visit Kabul, where he will head a delegation for high-level talks with the Taliban-led government.

“The talks will cover the entire gamut of the Pakistan-Afghan relationship, focusing on ways and means to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interests, including security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties,” said a statement from Pakistan’s foreign office.Earlier this month, Akber Khan, who owns a restaurant in the northwest Pakistani city of Peshawar, told The Associated Press news agency: “I have been here for almost 50 years. I got married here, so did my children, and 10 of my family members are buried here. That’s why we have no desire to leave.”

At least a third of the Afghans Pakistan wants to expel this year live in the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Afghans can never be completely repatriated, especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as they return using illegal channels or exploiting loopholes in the system despite fencing at the border,” said Abdullah Khan, managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, to Al Jazeera.

‘Security threat’

Islamabad has frequently linked Afghan refugees to rising security threats and criminal activity within its borders – allegations rejected by Kabul, which has described the campaign as forced deportation and politically motivated.

Most are being transported to the Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the key route into eastern Afghanistan.

Human rights groups have criticised the repatriation drive, warning that mass expulsions risk endangering vulnerable people, particularly women and children, who may face insecurity or persecution upon return.

Despite these concerns, Pakistani officials maintain that the crackdown targets only those who remain in the country without legal authorisation, insisting the policy is a matter of national security.

Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies

Pakistan confirms its expulsion of more than 80,000 Afghans since April 1
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Afghanistan Journalists Center calls for release of detained Journalist Sayed Rashid Kashifi

The Afghanistan Journalists Center has demanded the immediate release of journalist Sayed Rashid Kashifi, detained by intelligence forces in Kabul.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center has expressed deep concern over the arrest of freelance journalist Sayed Rashid Kashifi in Kabul and has called for his immediate release from Taliban custody.

According to a statement released on Thursday, April 17, the center reported that Kashifi was arrested three days ago by Taliban intelligence forces in Kabul, allegedly due to his cooperation with exiled media outlets.

The statement also revealed that Taliban intelligence had confiscated Kashifi’s mobile phone nearly a month prior to his arrest, indicating that he may have been under surveillance for some time.

The Afghanistan Journalists Center emphasized that at least nine journalists and media workers are currently detained by the Taliban, highlighting a continuing pattern of repression against media professionals.

Among those detained, six individuals have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven months to three years, raising alarms over due process and freedom of the press in the country.

Since their return to power, the Taliban have systematically cracked down on media freedom in Afghanistan—shutting down outlets, silencing dissenting voices, and subjecting journalists to arrests, intimidation, and even torture.

The ongoing suppression of journalists by the Taliban not only threatens the safety of individual reporters but also undermines the public’s access to truthful and timely information. International human rights groups and press freedom advocates continue to call for urgent action and accountability.

Afghanistan Journalists Center calls for release of detained Journalist Sayed Rashid Kashifi
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Brutal Deportation from Pakistan: Sabera’s Journey with her 13-day-old baby at Torkham

Sabera, a young mother, was brutally deported from Pakistan with her 13-day-old baby, now stranded helplessly at Torkham border.
Standing in the dust and chaos of the Torkham border crossing, a young mother named Sabera clutches her 13-day-old baby tightly. Her face hidden behind a veil, Sabera has been waiting for four days with her children after being forcibly deported from Pakistan. Her story is one among hundreds of thousands, emblematic of the mass expulsion of Afghan nationals under Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.”

Sabera recounted how Pakistani authorities forced her family out without warning. “Because of these heartless people, I had to leave Pakistan with my newborn,” she said, referring to the police who evicted them from their home and sent them toward the border. Her husband, the family’s sole breadwinner, had made a living scavenging for recyclables—a meager but vital source of income.

That fragile livelihood was destroyed overnight. “My husband collected old items. Now we have nothing,” Sabera said, lamenting the fact that they were unable to bring even the little they had. Their belongings, and any sense of stability, were left behind in Pakistan. Now, the family faces extreme hardship with no financial means or shelter.

At the border, Sabera and her children share a cramped tent with three other families—16 people in total—under dire conditions. “I’m suffering from postpartum complications,” she said. Without access to proper medical care, her condition and that of her newborn are deteriorating. The overcrowded, unsanitary setting offers no relief for the vulnerable families gathered there.

Sabera’s children, all of whom are still very young, remain by her side in uncertainty. “I have nowhere to go,” she says with a voice heavy with fear and exhaustion. Though she dreams of returning to her native Baghlan province, the journey seems nearly impossible for a mother burdened with an infant and no resources.

Her situation reflects a broader humanitarian crisis. Between September 2023 and February 2025, more than 844,499 Afghans were expelled from Pakistan, with approximately 80% being women and children. Since April 1, 2025, over 44,900 people—the majority children—have returned through Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings. Most arrive with nothing but the clothes they wear, returning to a country where two-thirds of the population relies on humanitarian aid.

The UNFPA has reported that at least 17 women have given birth in border clinics since the second phase of deportations began—underscoring the acute medical needs on the ground. Aid agencies warn that without urgent funding, millions will lose access to health services. Child malnutrition and mortality could soar dramatically, given the scale of need and lack of infrastructure.

In response to the growing crisis, the humanitarian group Aseel launched the “2025 Afghan Returnee Emergency Campaign,” aiming to support families like Sabera’s. The initiative provides food, shelter, clothing, and medical aid to returnees stranded at border points and beyond. Aseel is calling for global support to sustain these life-saving efforts.

Additionally, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with UN Women, UNHCR, and other partners, is actively delivering humanitarian aid. This includes cash grants, hygiene kits, medical check-ups, food packages, and vaccinations for children—essential services to stabilize lives thrown into turmoil.

Sabera’s story is not an isolated tragedy—it is a mirror reflecting the suffering of hundreds of thousands. Her plea for help echoes the needs of many Afghan women and children cast into uncertainty by sudden deportation. Addressing this crisis requires sustained humanitarian support and international attention.

The situation at Torkham is a test of global solidarity. As organizations race to provide emergency relief, long-term solutions, including resettlement, rehabilitation, and economic support, must be prioritized to avoid an escalating humanitarian disaster.

Without concrete policy shifts and adequate funding, families like Sabera’s may face not just a loss of home, but a loss of hope. It is now the responsibility of the international community to respond with compassion, urgency, and resolve.

Brutal Deportation from Pakistan: Sabera’s Journey with her 13-day-old baby at Torkham
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Afghan Evac President: Afghan Refugees in US Given 7-Day Notice to Leave

Khaama Press

Afghan refugees in the U.S. have been given a seven-day notice to leave, according to the Afghan Evac president.

Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan Evac—a U.S.-based organization supporting Afghan refugees—has stated that the U.S. government has given Afghan refugees with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) a seven-day deadline to leave the country.

According to VanDiver, a number of Afghan refugees in the United States have already received official notices from the government ordering them to depart.

He has urged Afghan refugees not to leave the country without first consulting with their legal counsel.

U.S. media reported on Thursday, April 17, that some Afghan refugees received an email from the Department of Homeland Security giving them a one-week deadline to leave the country. The email warned that failure to comply would lead to federal arrest.

This development follows earlier reports by U.S. media quoting Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, who confirmed that the Trump administration has revoked Temporary Protected Status for 14,600 Afghan nationals in the United States.

According to these reports, the affected individuals now face the risk of deportation by May 2025.

McLaughlin stated that Kristi Noem, the new Secretary of Homeland Security, has determined that the current conditions in Afghanistan no longer meet the criteria for granting protected status.

The U.S. TPS program is intended for individuals from countries experiencing natural disasters, armed conflict, or extraordinary circumstances. Termination of this status could place thousands at risk of removal, despite ongoing instability in their home country.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post has reported that the order to deport Afghan migrants has been issued at an inappropriate time, criticizing the decision. The newspaper emphasizes that this policy comes when Afghanistan is still facing severe instability and humanitarian challenges.

The report further highlights that deporting Afghan migrants, many of whom have fled violence and insecurity, could exacerbate the already dire situation in the country. Critics argue that such a decision disregards the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for continued international support for those affected.

Human rights advocates have warned that forcibly sending Afghan refugees back amid continued humanitarian and security crises violates international protection norms. Many of these individuals fled persecution and may face serious threats if returned.

Legal and humanitarian organizations are calling on the U.S. government to reconsider the decision, urging renewed assessments of conditions in Afghanistan and the reestablishment of protected legal pathways for vulnerable individuals.

Afghan Evac President: Afghan Refugees in US Given 7-Day Notice to Leave
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Over 5,000 Afghan Migrants Deported from Pakistan in a Day

According to the commission’s data, approximately 3,500 of these individuals entered Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing.

The High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues has reported that more than 5,000 Afghan migrants were deported from Pakistan in the past day.

According to the commission’s data, approximately 3,500 of these individuals entered Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing.

The head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who visited Torkham to assess the situation of the deported migrants, assured that necessary services would be provided to those affected.

Nazar Nazari, a refugee rights activist, stated: “UNHCR plays a vital role in supporting refugees and internally displaced persons. The first step must be to provide increased aid and facilities such as shelter, healthcare, and emergency assistance, while also ensuring access to educational opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, criticized the forced deportation of Afghan migrants and labeled Pakistan’s decision as emotional. He called on the international community to address the issue.

In a meeting, he said: “Migrants who have invested in Pakistan, are educated, or are currently studying should not be deported. I proposed that the government classify them into three categories: First, educated migrants such as doctors and engineers whose skills can benefit Pakistan. Second, those who have invested in the country for the past 35 to 40 years; deporting them could harm Pakistan’s economy and lead to the collapse of banks. Third, students in grade 12, undergraduate, or master’s programs who, if deported, would have to restart their education from scratch. Education is a fundamental human right.”

Elsewhere, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced that Norway has also criticized Pakistan for the deportation of Afghan migrants and reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting them.

Abdulmutalib Haqqani, the ministry’s spokesperson, said that the Chargé d’Affaires of Norway’s Embassy for Afghanistan emphasized the importance of bilateral relations during a meeting with the acting minister.

Haqqani said: “Mawlawi Abdul Kabir described the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan as a violation of all principles and called for international assistance to find a permanent solution for migration issues in Afghanistan. He noted that the Islamic Emirate is working on a permanent housing plan for the migrants and requires the support of humanitarian organizations in this regard.”

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported yesterday that nearly 60,000 Afghan migrants entered the country through the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings during the first two weeks of the current month.

Over 5,000 Afghan Migrants Deported from Pakistan in a Day
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Magnitude 5.6 earthquake strikes Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan, EMSC says

By Reuters

The quake was at a depth of 121 km (75 miles), EMSC said, and the epicentre 164 km east of Baghlan, a city with a population of about 108,000.
EMSC first reported the quake at a magnitude of 6.4.

Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Hogue

Magnitude 5.6 earthquake strikes Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan, EMSC says
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Russia Removes Taliban from Terrorist List

Khaama Press

Russia has officially lifted its two-decade-long ban on the Afghan Taliban, removing the group from its list of designated terrorist organizations. The move, confirmed by Russian state media on Thursday, marks a significant shift in Moscow’s diplomatic posture toward the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.

The Russian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban, imposed in 2003, takes immediate effect and paves the way for broader engagement between the Kremlin and the Taliban. Although no country has formally recognized the Taliban-led government since it seized power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, Moscow has gradually deepened its ties with the group in recent years.

President Vladimir Putin previously described the Taliban as a partner in combating terrorism. Russia now views cooperation with the group as a strategic necessity, especially amid growing regional security threats from extremist organizations.

One such group is Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), which claimed responsibility for the deadly March 2024 attack on a concert hall near Moscow that killed at least 145 people. U.S. intelligence pointed to ISIS-K as the orchestrator, further fueling Russia’s concern over the militant presence in and around Afghanistan. The Taliban, for its part, maintains it is actively targeting ISIS-K and other extremist factions operating on Afghan soil.

Despite these developments, the Taliban remains isolated on the international stage due to its human rights record—particularly concerning women’s rights. The group has imposed sweeping restrictions on Afghan women, including banning them from secondary and higher education and limiting their public presence without a male guardian. The Taliban claims its policies are aligned with Islamic principles.

Western governments continue to insist that meaningful engagement and recognition will depend on the Taliban’s willingness to uphold international human rights standards.

Russia’s latest move, while not constituting formal recognition of the Taliban government, signals a pragmatic step toward deeper relations and regional coordination.

Russia Removes Taliban from Terrorist List
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UNICEF warns of severe Therapeutic Food shortage in Afghanistan due to budget cuts

Khaama Press

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan has warned of a severe shortage of lifesaving therapeutic foods due to global budget cuts.

Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s Head of Office in Afghanistan, shared a message on X on Thursday, April 17, stating that 3.5 million children under the age of five in Afghanistan are suffering from malnutrition this year, with 1.5 million of them at risk of severe acute malnutrition. Oyewale emphasized the urgent need for support to save these children’s lives.

The situation has been exacerbated by the reduction of international financial aid. On Wednesday, Cobi Rietveld, the head of the organization “Action Against Hunger” in Afghanistan, highlighted that the cut in U.S. financial assistance would result in the death of many children.

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues to deepen, with the lack of necessary resources threatening the lives of millions of children. The situation calls for immediate and significant action from the international community to prevent further loss of life.

Despite these dire conditions, the international community must prioritize the wellbeing of Afghan children and provide the financial and material support needed to address the crisis effectively.

The situation in Afghanistan highlights the urgent need for continued international aid to prevent further suffering and loss of life, particularly among vulnerable children.

As global financial constraints affect humanitarian efforts, it is crucial for governments and organizations to renew their commitments to providing necessary resources and support to Afghanistan.

UNICEF warns of severe Therapeutic Food shortage in Afghanistan due to budget cuts
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CSTO expresses concern over increasing threats from Northern Afghanistan provinces

Khaama Press

 

CSTO officials are concerned about the rising threats from northern Afghanistan provinces, particularly related to terrorism, extremism, and drug crimes.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan and the growing threats from its northern provinces. According to the CSTO press office, the organization is particularly concerned about the rise in terrorism, extremism, and drug-related crimes originating from Afghanistan. These challenges are seen as direct threats to regional security and stability.

Natalia Kharitonova, spokesperson for the CSTO, explained in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia on April 15 that Afghanistan has become a source of considerable concern for the organization. She emphasized that the CSTO members are worried about the increasing threats from Afghanistan, particularly from the northern regions bordering Central Asia. These threats are contributing to heightened security risks in the region.

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Kharitonova further pointed out that CSTO member countries have called for more regional cooperation to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. The growing concerns about Afghanistan’s instability have led to calls for stronger coordination and joint actions to address these pressing issues in the region. The CSTO is working on measures to enhance regional security in response to these emerging threats.

In light of these concerns, the CSTO has placed special importance on strengthening the border security of Tajikistan, which shares a long border with Afghanistan. Kharitonova noted that a targeted intergovernmental program aimed at improving the security of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan is of critical significance to the CSTO. This program is seen as essential for safeguarding the security of all CSTO member states.

The issue of border security was discussed in detail during a meeting between CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe on on Friday. The two leaders focused on measures to bolster border defenses, with special attention given to the planned intergovernmental program to enhance Tajikistan’s border security. The program is scheduled to begin in 2025 and will unfold over five years, with a phased approach to strengthening the border.

The CSTO’s concerns about Afghanistan highlight the growing instability in the region and the need for cooperative regional security efforts. The planned border security program between CSTO members, especially Tajikistan, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to addressing these security threats comprehensively. Through increased coordination and focused action, the CSTO aims to safeguard the security and stability of its member states in the face of rising challenges.

CSTO expresses concern over increasing threats from Northern Afghanistan provinces
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Karzai and Norwegian Ambassador discuss strengthening ties, Girls’ Education in Afghanistan

Khaama Press

Karzai emphasized the importance of girls’ education for Afghanistan’s development, while discussing strengthening diplomatic ties with Norway.

Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, met with Norwegian Ambassador to Kabul, Per Albert Ilsaas, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. Karzai emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between Afghanistan and Norway, particularly in the fields of education and humanitarian efforts.

In the meeting, Karzai stressed the critical role of education, especially for girls, in Afghanistan’s development and progress. He called for serious attention to this issue, highlighting how empowering young girls with education is essential for the country’s future.

Furthermore, Karzai pointed out that national reconciliation is key to achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. He urged collaborative efforts to create an inclusive environment for different segments of society to work together harmoniously.

Details of the discussions were not immediately available, but the meeting emphasized the ongoing importance of education and reconciliation in Afghanistan’s recovery. Norway has been a key player in supporting Afghanistan’s education, humanitarian, and peacebuilding sectors over the past two decades.

The ongoing diplomatic conversations about Afghanistan’s political future remain a focal point, with efforts to stabilize the country through international cooperation continuing. This meeting between Karzai and the Norwegian ambassador reflects ongoing international commitment to Afghanistan’s development and peace efforts.

 

Karzai and Norwegian Ambassador discuss strengthening ties, Girls’ Education in Afghanistan
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