As the Taliban reasserts control over Afghanistan, thousands of Afghans are crossing into neighboring countries. For years, Pakistan has hosted over 3 million Afghan nationals, including more than 1.4 million registered refugees, and it is now expecting to receive up to 700,000 more. However, the country has asserted that it will not accept them. It has increasingly tightened security around the border and has kept them encamped along the border.
Pakistan’s decision is not surprising. In recent decades, the country has gradually curbed the rights of Afghan refugees and implemented programs to forcibly repatriate them, citing security concerns. This coincides with decreasing support from the international community, which has been steadily underfunding successive pledges. The Pakistani government estimates that hosting additional Afghans would cost $2.2 billion over the course of three years.
If there is any chance of Pakistan making an about-face, it will need help from the international community. Refugees are arriving traumatized and with acute medical needs. Hunger has already set in; new arrivals will need basic food, water, and shelter, as well as medical and educational support. Supporting the humanitarian appeal should be the number one priority.