Hurrying to condense decades of possessions amidst Pakistan's foreigner crackdown, Afghans find themselves rushing to depart.
Living in Afghanistan has become a race against time after receiving an ultimatum to leave Pakistan forever. A 42-year-old man named Sher Khan had just returned home from his brick factory job when a plainclothes policeman appeared at his doorstep, giving him a chilling 45 minutes to pack his life away.
Born in Pakistan to parents who fled Afghanistan during the 1979 Soviet invasion, Sher is one of the hundreds of thousands of Afghans expelled from Pakistan in the government's crackdown on foreigners living illegally in the country. This nationwide expulsion effort, launched in October 2023, has already displaced close to a million Afghans and aims to clear millions more.
With just a few kitchen items and some clothes, Sher and his wife inspected their former home in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, leaving behind everything else. Their hastily gathered belongings stood in stark contrast to the years they spent gathering possessions with "honor."
The Pakistani government set several deadlines for Afghans to leave or face deportation. In several cities, Afghans with proof of registration were given until June 30 to depart, while others residing elsewhere in Pakistan had no specific deadlines. Sher feared delaying his departure beyond the deadline might result in his family being detained at a police station, risking their dignity.
Located at the Afghan border, Torkham refugee camp has become the first stop for expelled refugees. Upon arrival, each family receives a SIM card and 10,000 Afghanis ($145) in aid. The camp's capacity is stretched thin with about 150 families arriving daily, though this number is expected to surge after Eid al-Adha that started June 7. Aid organizations inside the camp help with basic needs, such as healthcare, while local charity Aseel provides hygiene kits and assists with food, even setting up a food package delivery system for families once they reach their final Afghanistan destination.
The Pakistani government blames Afghans for staging militant attacks within their border—a claim vehemently denied by Kabul's Taliban government. Iran, too, has followed suit, expelling Afghans en masse. Critics, including rights groups and aid agencies, accuse authorities of forcing Afghans to leave earlier, with police raids, beatings, arbitrary detentions, and confiscated refugee documents as well as extortion demands for bribes in exchange for the right to remain in Pakistan.
As Afghans scramble to salvage their future, families like Sher's constantly search for hope amid the chaos. Another refugee, Yar Mohammad, had lived in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir for nearly 45 years. After plainclothes policemen gave him six hours to leave, friends rushed to pack what they could, cramming the household belongings into orange tents at the Torkham refugee camp. Despite the challenges, Yar remains hopeful and plans to restart his floor-polishing business in Afghanistan.
Becatoros contributes to the Associated Press.
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- The government's crackdown on immigration in Pakistan has led to worry among Afghans, as they face the possibility of deportation despite their contributions to various businesses.
- In the midst of health concerns and political instability due to war-and-conflicts, refugees like Sher Khan and Yar Mohammad are left to rely on general-news coverage and aid organizations for support during this time of crisis.
- Sher Khan, a 42-year-old man born in Pakistan, must navigate California's healthcare system as he resettles with his family following their expulsion from Pakistan.
- As the number of expelled refugees at Torkham refugee camp continues to rise, local charities and aid organizations work together to address the rising demand for immediate assistance in areas such as healthcare and food provision.
