1920 Migration: Afghanistan’s Response to Subcontinent Refugees
Whenever the question of the return of Afghan refugees to Pakistan arises, different opinions emerge in public and social circles.
Some people raise their voices in favor of the refugees based on humanitarian sympathy, while others emphasize the country’s security, lack of resources, and social balance.
While discussing this sensitive issue, we must try to understand the current situation in the light of history —
Especially the time when Muslims of the subcontinent wanted to migrate to Afghanistan and what reaction they received from there.
The migration of 1920 and the decision of the Afghan state
In 1920, some religious scholars of the subcontinent issued a fatwa against the colonial government of the time that Muslims should migrate from “Dar al-Harb”. Filled with the spirit of faith, hundreds of Muslims left their homes and set off for Afghanistan.
But when these convoys reached the border, the Afghan government banned their entry, forcing many refugees to return. A significant reason for this was the internal situation and limited resources in Afghanistan at that time.
These refugees were not only prevented from entering Afghanistan, but those who entered had to face various difficulties.
In some places, they were also mistreated due to u lack of resources; MDLabs ultimately forced them to return. This example shows that every country, be it a friend or a co-religionist, puts its state needs first.
Pakistan has been sheltering Afghan refugees for decades, providing them with educational, medical, and employment opportunities.
But over time, the growing population, pressure on resources, and security concerns made the return of refugees an inevitable issue.
This decision is not devoid of emotions, but a step taken in the light of state needs, policies, and law — as many countries have done in the past.
Pakistan continues to repatriate illegal Afghans
The process of repatriating illegal foreigners across the country is continuing rapidly, and in this regard, the repatriation of Afghan citizens at the Torkham border continues.
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department, 876 Afghan citizen card holders were sent back to Afghanistan via Torkham on Sunday.
A total of 1,355 Afghan citizens have been repatriated since April 1, 2025.
According to the Home Department, 1,047 Afghans were detained in Punjab on Sunday and transferred to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from where they will be deported to Afghanistan via Torkham.
According to sources, another 1,047 Afghan refugees are expected to leave for Afghanistan today, who will cross the border via Torkham.
