Hundreds of Afghan refugees are grappling with forced deportation and illegal detention as Pakistan and Iran intensify efforts to expel migrants. Between March 8 and March 14, data compiled from Afghan Taliban statements reveals that 674 Afghan families were deported—564 from Iran via crossings like Pul-e-Abrisham (150 families) and Islam Qala (414 families), and 110 from Pakistan through Spin Boldak. This surge underscores a worsening crisis for Afghan migrants in both nations.

In Iran, anti-migrant sentiment is rising amid economic sanctions and resource strain. Nader Yarahmadi, a senior official at Iran’s Ministry of Interior, announced that starting March 21, 2025, undocumented Afghans will lose access to healthcare, education, and other services. Migrants like Marofeh Eshaqi report arbitrary arrests by police, even targeting those with valid visas, fueling a climate of fear and instability.

Pakistan’s situation mirrors this harsh reality. Authorities, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have ramped up night raids, brutally detaining Afghan refugees regardless of legal status. Shujauddin, a migrant in Rawalpindi with a valid visa, faces deportation despite investing heavily in a shop now up for auction at a fraction of its worth. “If I don’t leave, they’ll deport us back to Afghanistan,” he said, highlighting the desperation driving forced sales of belongings.

Advocacy groups like the Joint Action Committee for Refugees in Pakistan have condemned these actions, demanding an end to illegal detentions and harassment. Human rights coalitions have also urged Pakistan to halt deportations, citing violations of international law. Refugees, including Reza Sakhi, report widespread discrimination and mistreatment—beatings and humiliation—despite holding Proof of Registration cards or Afghan Citizen Cards. As conditions deteriorate, Afghan migrants are pleading for intervention from their government and global human rights organizations to address this escalating humanitarian crisis.