Mass detention and deportation
On Wednesday, a mass exodus ensued among thousands of Afghans residing in Pakistan as the government's deadline for their departure approached. (AFP photo)
Over one lakh Afghans have left since October
It said more than 1.4 lakh people have left Pakistan since the start of October when the order was issued by an unelected caretaker government ahead of elections due in January. (ANI photo)
Islamabad home to over 1.7 million afghans
Islamabad has given 1.7 million Afghans it says are living illegally in the country until November 1 to leave voluntarily or be forcibly removed. (AFP photo)
Over six lakh moved to Pakistan since Taliban takeover
Millions of Afghans have poured into Pakistan in recent decades, fleeing a series of violent conflicts, including an estimated 6 lakh since the Taliban government seized power in August 2021.
Afghans have reported weeks of arbitrary arrests and extortion
Lawyers and rights groups have accused the Pakistani government of using threats, abuse, and detention to coerce Afghan asylum seekers to leave while Afghans have reported weeks of arbitrary arrests and extortion.
Pakistani authorities target illegal houses and businesses
Authorities have also targeted houses and businesses they deem illegal, as well as Pakistanis accused of sheltering undocumented Afghans. In some cities, police vans with detained Afghans were seen arriving at urban holding centres. (AP photo)
Pakistan cites security concerns
In Balochistan, the government said it was going door-to-door to trace undocumented Afghans who had refused to leave before the deadline. Pakistan cited security concerns and set the November 1 start date last month for the expulsion of all undocumented immigrants. (Reuters photo)
Torkham crossing remains busy
Local media images depicted extensive lines of buses en route to the Torkham crossing, where thousands of individuals awaited clearance. It was anticipated that many would have to spend the night in the open, considering the crossing's closure at 9 pm. (AFP photo)
Setting foot in Afghanistan for first time
Authorities on the Afghan side of the border have been overwhelmed by the scale of the exodus as they attempt to process those returning, some of whom are setting foot in Afghanistan for the first time in their lives. (AFP photo)