Pakistan's Deportation of Over 1.5 Million Afghan Refugees Strains Ties, Threatens Security, Includes 200 Journalists

Crackdown on Afghan migrants in Pakistan includes 200 journalists among whom are applicants for US special refugee program, raising concerns about press freedom and increasing tension with Kabul

The Pakistani government's decision to deport allegedly undocumented Afghan refugees has led to a strain in relations with Afghanistan. Since the deadline for refugees to leave Pakistan, over 200,000 Afghans have entered Afghanistan, a move criticized by the Afghan government.
There were an estimated 4 million foreigners in Pakistan, with 3.8 million being Afghans. The government claims only 2.2 million have the necessary documents to remain in the country. This decision to deport is tied to Pakistan's accusations of Afghan migrants and fighters being responsible for increased armed attacks in the country.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group ideologically close to the Taliban in Afghanistan, has been pointed to as a major cause of tension between the two countries. Pakistan alleges that the TTP carries out attacks from safe havens in Afghanistan.
Pakistan's decision has been criticized as a desperate move to force Kabul to act against the TTP. Analysts argue that it is a counterproductive effort and further risks driving returning refugees back to living under Taliban rule.
Among those targeted in the deportation are 200 Afghan journalists, some of whom were applicants for the US special refugee program. The move has led to international media watchdog Reporters Without Borders urging Pakistan not to deport these journalists, warning that sending them back to Afghanistan exposes them to significant danger.