Afghan FM tells Pakistan's top diplomat deportations are 'disappointment'

Afghanistan expresses concern over forced deportation of Afghans by Pakistan, sparking tensions between the two nations.

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister expressed "deep concern and disappointment" to his Pakistani counterpart on Saturday (April 19, 2025) over the forced deportation of tens of thousands of Afghans since the start of April.

Pakistan has launched a strict campaign to evict by the end of the month more than 8,00,000 Afghans who have had their residence permits cancelled, including some who were born in Pakistan or lived there for decades.

Pakistan's top diplomat, Ishaq Dar, flew to Kabul for a day-long visit on Saturday (April 19, 2025), where he held discussions with Afghan Taliban officials, including Prime Minister Hasan Akhund and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

"Mr. Muttaqi expressed his deep concern and disappointment over the situation and forced deportation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan," the Afghan Foreign Ministry's deputy spokesperson Zia Ahmad said on X. "He strongly urged Pakistani authorities to prevent the suppression of the rights of Afghans living there and those coming here," she added.

Ms. Ahmad added that Dar reassured officials that Afghans "will not be mistreated".

Afghans in Pakistan have reported weeks of arbitrary arrests, extortion and harassment by authorities as they ramp up their campaign to expel migrants.

Islamabad has said nearly 85,000 have already crossed into Afghanistan, with convoys of Afghan families heading to border crossings each day fearing raids, arrests or separation from family members.