Asia Platform Warns of Humanitarian Crisis Amid Mass Return of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan

Asia Platform has issued a stark warning that over one million Afghan refugees who have returned from Pakistan in recent months face the risk of secondary displacement and a looming humanitarian crisis if urgent support is not provided.

In a statement released by the organization, it emphasized that most of the returnees were forced to leave and are entering a country already grappling with widespread poverty, economic collapse, and severe shortages of essential resources.

“Afghanistan has previously experienced the largest internal displacement crisis in Asia,” the statement noted. “Now, with the wave of forced returns, the country is witnessing one of the most significant population shifts in recent years.”

The organization warned that the lack of land, shelter, legal documentation, employment opportunities, and access to education and healthcare for the returnees could lead to a humanitarian disaster and further social unrest.

Asia Platform called on all countries, relevant organizations, and stakeholders to uphold the principles of voluntary, safe, and dignified return and to support the rights of refugees and returnees through a coordinated regional response.

Pakistan, which has long hosted one of the world’s largest populations of Afghan refugees, began expelling undocumented Afghans amid deteriorating bilateral relations and growing security concerns. The second phase of this expulsion campaign has been underway for nearly two months, forcing thousands of Afghans to return to their homeland.

Meanwhile, many returnees have reported mistreatment and inhumane behavior by Pakistani police, raising serious human rights concerns.

Analysts warn that without a well-planned and adequately supported reintegration process, the continued forced returns could have long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s social and political stability.