Pakistani authorities have intensified a crackdown on Afghan nationals, ordering thousands of families to leave the country [1].
This escalation marks a significant shift in the treatment of Afghan refugees and migrants, potentially destabilizing the region and creating a humanitarian crisis for those without legal protections.
Reports from June 2026 indicate that the crackdown has been characterized by extreme urgency. Some families were given only 45 minutes [2, 3] to pack their belongings and vacate their homes. The rapid nature of these evictions has left many families scrambling to secure their assets and find immediate shelter.
Pakistani officials said the measures are aimed at Afghan nationals suspected of supporting cross-border terrorism [1]. The government has framed the operation as a necessary security step to prevent the movement of militants and disrupt terror networks operating across the border.
Despite the security justifications, the impact has been widespread. Thousands of families [1] have been targeted in these operations. While the government focuses on security, other reports suggest the situation is exacerbated by a lack of viable immigration pathways, and the failure of specific visa programs to protect eligible individuals.
The pressure on these communities has created a volatile environment. Many of those being forced out have lived in Pakistan for years, establishing lives and businesses before the current wave of enforcement began. The sudden demand to leave within minutes — often just 45 minutes [2, 3] — has stripped residents of the ability to conduct a legal or orderly departure.
Authorities continue to oversee the evictions, focusing on those without valid residency permits. The operation remains a priority for the state as it seeks to tighten control over its borders and address internal security threats.
“Thousands of Afghan families have been forced to leave.”
The intensification of these evictions suggests a hardening of Pakistan's stance toward Afghan nationals, prioritizing national security over refugee protections. By utilizing extremely short departure windows, the state is effectively bypassing traditional deportation processes, which may lead to increased regional instability and a surge of displaced persons returning to an already fragile Afghanistan.
