A growing number of Afghan migrants are being deported from Pakistan, facing abuse and mistreatment along the way. The deportations, which have been increasing over recent days, are taking place at the Spin Boldak crossing in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
According to local officials, the deported migrants are being sent back to Afghanistan after receiving essential aid, such as food, shelter, and medicine. In the last three days alone, over 100 families have been forced to return to Afghanistan through this crossing point.
Abdul Bari, head of Borders, Tribes, and Ethnic Affairs in Kandahar, spoke to TOLOnews, highlighting that even legal migrants have been expelled by Pakistan. He criticized Pakistan’s actions, stating: “They [the Pakistanis] do not care about anything. Here, food, medicine, and shelter are provided for all migrants, and there are no issues.”
Abdul Latif Hakimi, the official in charge of registering the expelled migrants, shared that with the second phase of deportations underway, more than 35 migrant families are arriving daily through Spin Boldak. Among them are former prisoners who were sent back to Afghanistan after serving their time in Pakistan.
Many of the newly deported migrants have shared stories of mistreatment by Pakistani forces. Omid, a 10-year-old child who was born in Karachi, Pakistan, but is returning to Afghanistan for the first time, expressed his hope to study and serve his country now that he is back in Afghanistan.
The newly deported migrants are currently being housed in a temporary camp in Takhtapul district of Kandahar province. While in Pakistan, many reported harsh conditions. Noor Ahmad, one of the deported migrants, told TOLOnews that he and others were treated poorly, detained in places without food, water, or shelter.
Baz Mohammad, another deported migrant, shared his experience of being detained in Pakistan. He explained that both legal and illegal migrants were arrested and sent to prison, prompting his decision to return to Afghanistan.
The deportation process started on April 1, 2025, and has sparked international concern and criticism. Human rights groups and international organizations have condemned Pakistan’s actions, especially regarding the treatment of migrants, who are being forced to return to Afghanistan under very difficult conditions.