Afghan refugees in Pakistan fear forced return as deportation deadline ends

In a refugee settlement on the outskirts of Karachi, Afghan families gathered on Sunday for Eid al-Fitr, not in celebration but in quiet anxiety. On Monday, millions who have lived in Pakistan for generations faced a deportation deadline and an uncertain, possibly dangerous future.Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, millions of Afghans have fled to Pakistan to escape violence and instability. While many have returned over the years, ongoing conflict and political turmoil have forced hundreds of thousands to seek refuge once again.AdvertisementIt’s the latest phase of a nationwide crackdown launched in October 2023 to expel foreigners living in Pakistan illegally, mostly Afghans. The campaign has drawn fire from rights groups, the Taliban government, and the UN.More from World'No place for women like me': Afghan women activists in Pakistan face deportation, persecution by TalibanTaliban leader declares democracy 'dead' in Afghanistan, says no need for western lawsHow UK’s...