Pakistan launches crackdown against Afghan nationals

Pakistan has initiated a crackdown on Afghan nationals following the expiration of a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily. Thousands of Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, while many others are stranded at border crossings. The Pakistani government estimates that 1.7 million Afghans living in Pakistan are undocumented. Human Rights Watch has accused Pakistan of using threats and abuse to coerce Afghan asylum seekers to return. The situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous, and deportation exposes them to significant security risks.