Afghan refugees in Pakistan face arrests and forced relocations as part of a growing repatriation campaign, raising concerns from the U.N. Refugee Agency.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing arrests and harassment as part of a mass expulsion campaign, according to the Afghan embassy in Islamabad. The U.N.'s refugee agency reported that hundreds of Afghan nationals have been forcibly expelled from the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as Pakistan intensifies efforts to repatriate approximately four million Afghans who fled during decades of conflict and after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The Afghan embassy stated that its citizens have recently been subjected to arbitrary arrests, searches, and orders from local authorities to relocate from the capital, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi to other areas within Pakistan. The embassy added that this process, which started without any prior official notice, had not been formally communicated to Afghan diplomats.
Pakistan’s foreign office, however, denied claims of harassment, asserting that these actions are part of the "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" initiated in 2023. Authorities also stated that they expect Afghanistan’s interim government to create conditions for the successful reintegration of returning refugees.
Despite these assurances, the Afghan embassy revealed that Pakistani officials had informed them of plans to deport all Afghan nationals in the near future, with only valid visa holders allowed to remain in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) confirmed a rise in deportations since January 1, expressing concern over the growing uncertainty among Afghan refugees about imminent expulsions.
These developments come as the U.S. prepares to close the office overseeing the resettlement of Afghan refugees by April, potentially halting the resettlement of up to 200,000 Afghans, many of whom are currently stranded in Pakistan.
China’s Dongfeng Audi Motors will invest $50 million to establish a vehicle manufacturing facility in Afghanistan, a move expected to create hundreds of local jobs and boost industrial growth.
Iran has announced plans to significantly expand its economic relationship with Afghanistan, targeting $10 billion in bilateral trade, as regional powers ramp up efforts to turn Afghanistan into a strategic trade and transit hub.
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during an official visit to Doha aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Afghanistan is facing a sharp increase in measles and other diseases, with over 12,500 new measles cases reported in March alone, as its strained health system struggles to respond amid declining international aid.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
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