Pakistani police launched a large-scale crackdown on undocumented Afghan residents in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border province this week [1].
The operation signals an intensification of the government's efforts to remove undocumented foreign nationals from the country. This push is part of a broader repatriation drive that has seen millions of people forced to leave their homes and communities.
Authorities focused their efforts on the town of Mattani near Peshawar, an area often referred to as a "mini Kabul" due to its high Afghan population [1]. The crackdown included the demolition of housing and the implementation of roadside identity checks [1]. Police said Afghan nationals must leave the province immediately [1].
This regional surge is the latest phase of a national policy initiated in 2023. According to reports, approximately 2.3 million Afghan nationals have been repatriated since the drive began [2]. The scale of the movement has put significant pressure on border infrastructure and the receiving capacities of Afghanistan.
To accelerate the process, the Pakistani government has opened three new border crossings [3]. These additional points of entry and exit are intended to expedite the flow of people returning to Afghanistan as the state continues to target undocumented settlements [3].
Local residents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere of their towns. The removal of undocumented residents through forced demolitions and police checks has effectively silenced previously vibrant Afghan hubs [1].
“Police launched a large-scale crackdown that included housing demolitions and roadside identity checks.”
The escalation of enforcement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demonstrates Pakistan's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward undocumented Afghan migrants. By targeting specific hubs like Mattani and expanding border infrastructure, the government is attempting to resolve a long-standing demographic and security challenge through mass deportation, regardless of the socio-economic impact on the displaced populations.
