London, April 18 (NationPress) Pakistan's Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Policy (IFRP) demonstrates a large-scale, state-sanctioned refoulement, putting political agendas ahead of human rights and resulting in the displacement of over two million Afghan refugees. This has disrupted communities, violated global norms, and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, according to a recent report.

Launched in October 2023, the IFRP has emerged as one of the most extensive and criticized forced deportation initiatives worldwide, specifically targeting Afghan refugees who have resided in Pakistan for many years. By early 2026, this policy had forced the return of more than two million Afghans—including individuals with legal status—amid numerous allegations of arbitrary detentions, extortion, and coercive tactics, as detailed in a report by the UK-based 'Asian Lite'.

Human rights organizations and the United Nations have denounced the IFRP for its lack of transparency and its indiscriminate nature, asserting that it violates the non-refoulement principle, which prohibits sending refugees back to regions where they may face severe threats.

The report indicated that by February 2026, over one million Afghans had been deported, many of whom were undocumented, despite scarce access to essential services and resources.

Amnesty International has criticized the IFRP for its “illegality and inhumanity.” In March 2025, the organization urged for the plan's abandonment, warning that vague executive orders portray Afghans as “criminals and terrorists” while disregarding their refugee status and the dangers they face under Taliban governance in Afghanistan.

The policy contravenes the non-refoulement principle by returning individuals to environments where they may encounter persecution, torture, or extreme violence, infringing upon the 1951 Refugee Convention, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and customary international law. Amnesty documented forced relocations within Pakistan as well, such as moving individuals with Proof of Registration (PoR) from Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31, 2025, uprooting families who have lived there for decades.

According to the report, those who returned have reported police abuses, including extortion, beatings, and arbitrary arrests during nighttime operations, often forcing families to pay bribes to evade detention.

In the second phase commencing in April 2025, 230,500 Afghans returned, comprising 42,800 deportees—70% of whom were undocumented, 19% held Afghan Citizen Cards, and 11% possessed Proof of Registration cards.

The report emphasized that women and children suffered the most, facing family separations, inadequate shelter upon their return, and threats of retribution from the Taliban due to supposed connections with Pakistani authorities.

Highlighting the crackdown on Afghan refugees, the report noted, “The international community has expressed concern but has limited influence. UNHCR has intensified border surveillance and aid efforts, urging Pakistan to cease forced deportations and renew registrations for 1.4 million individuals at risk. While Western donors, who significantly support Pakistan's economy, advocate for humane treatment, economic pressures limit stronger responses.”