Pakistan Repatriates Over 500,000 Illegal Immigrants Amid Security Concerns

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has reported to the Senate that more than 500,000 illegal immigrants, predominantly Afghan nationals, have been repatriated as part of the government’s deportation initiative. The total number of illegal immigrants residing in Pakistan is estimated at 1.7 million, with the majority being Afghans lacking proper documentation.

The Ministry confirmed the deportation of 541,210 individuals following cabinet approval of the deportation plan. Despite this significant effort, approximately 1.15 million illegal immigrants remain in the country, prompting ongoing identification and deportation efforts. The government’s crackdown began in October 2023, with an ultimatum for illegal immigrants to leave by October 31, leading to arrests, imprisonment, and deportation for those non-compliant.

Afghan nationals make up over 95% of the repatriated individuals, citing security concerns as the reason for their initial migration. The Pakistani government, adamant about national security, has rejected appeals from human rights organizations and the Afghan government, emphasizing the need to address the potential threat posed by undocumented inflows used as cover by terrorist groups.