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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Munir Ahmed

Rights group says Pakistan steps up pressure on Afghans to return home where they risk persecution

Pakistan Afghans Forced Returns - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A leading rights group said on Wednesday that Pakistan's authorities have intensified pressure on Afghan refugees to go back to neighboring Afghanistan, where they risk persecution by the Taliban and face dire economic conditions.

“Pakistani officials should immediately stop coercing Afghans to return home and give those facing expulsion the opportunity to seek protection,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at New York-based Human Rights Watch.

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