Afghan migrants in Pakistan are increasingly avoiding medical assistance due to fear of arrest and deportation, causing serious harm to both their physical and mental health. This is stated in a new report by the international humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Khaama.com reports.
According to the report, fear of being detained prevents migrants from seeking care at medical facilities, leading to worsening health conditions and heightened psychological stress. MSF emphasizes that Pakistan's intensified deportation measures since November 2023 have only aggravated the situation. Now, even those with official documentation — not just undocumented migrants - are at risk of being expelled.
In July 2025, the Pakistani government announced a temporary suspension of deportations for residence permit holders. However, MSF notes that this decision has not significantly reduced the level of fear among migrants.
Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest Afghan diaspora communities, and the mounting pressure has raised serious concerns among human rights organizations. International bodies have repeatedly called for an end to discriminatory practices and urged the adoption of a more humane approach toward Afghan refugees.
Amid growing instability, access to medical care has become critically important. Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent action to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 16, 2025