The Trump administration plans to deport some Afghan immigrants to Afghanistan, routing the removals through Pakistan, a US official and a coalition of veterans and advocacy groups said on Friday. Reports say more than 150 people are expected to be removed in what would be among the largest single expulsions of Afghans, with a first flight possibly as soon as Monday.
Why Pakistan is on the route
A US official said the deportations would go via Pakistan. Washington cannot arrange direct returns to Afghanistan because it has no diplomatic ties with the Taliban, the country’s de facto rulers since 2021.
President Donald Trump has framed his wider immigration crackdown and deportation drive as a domestic security measure. The Homeland Security Department said it would not confirm future removal operations, citing operational security.
Who faces removal, and why advocates object
Shawn VanDiver, head of AfghanEvac, said many of those facing removal fled Afghanistan after the 2021 Taliban takeover and the US withdrawal. Some, he said, are “brothers and sons of men who served alongside US forces,” and families “the Taliban already has every reason to target.”
VanDiver urged the US Congress to pass legislation giving Afghans in the United States temporary protected status so they would not be deported. Rights advocates argue the crackdown undermines due process and free speech and has left minorities fearing racial profiling.
Pakistan’s own returns and what comes next
Pakistan has expelled over 2 million Afghan nationals to Afghanistan since 2023. That backdrop makes the US plan to move deportees through Pakistan especially sensitive for families who may then face onward pressure toward Taliban-controlled areas.
What happens next depends on whether the reported Monday flight goes ahead and on whether Congress acts on temporary protected status. Officials have not publicly confirmed the timing or the passenger list.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 2021: Many Afghans now facing removal fled after the Taliban takeover and US withdrawal, VanDiver said.
- Since 2023: Pakistan has expelled over 2 million Afghan nationals to Afghanistan.
- Friday: A US official and veterans’ and advocacy groups said the administration plans deportations via Pakistan.
- Monday (expected): Reports say the first deportation flight could leave as soon as Monday; Homeland Security has not confirmed future operations.
Aasan alfaaz mein
America kuch Afghan logon ko Afghanistan bhejne ka plan bana raha hai, lekin seedha nahi — Pakistan ke zariye. Zyada se zyada 150 se upar logon ki baat ho rahi hai, aur pehli flight Monday tak ho sakti hai. Kai log 2021 ke baad bhage the; kuch un logon ke ghar wale hain jo pehle US forces ke saath kaam kar chuke the. Pakistan pehle hi 2023 se ab tak 20 lakh se zyada Afghan nationals wapas bhej chuka hai, is liye yeh qadam yahan bhi ahem hai.
