Pakistan has been asked by the UN to cease expelling Afghan refugees following a devastating earthquake which struck Afghanistan on September 3rd 2025 and caused widespread destruction and caused many casualties, leaving thousands displaced across Kabul and eastern provinces needing immediate aid assistance. This earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale.
This early morning earthquake devastated entire communities across Afghanistan. Buildings collapsed, roads became blocked off, vital infrastructure severely damaged and it has proven impossible for rescue teams to reach affected areas quickly enough for effective response operations to begin. Meanwhile, the death toll continues to increase while rescue operations are underway and Afghan government has declared a state of emergency in affected regions.
Pakistan had been expelling millions of Afghan refugees, citing security and border management concerns, for several months prior to the earthquake, however following it the UN High Commissioner for Refugees issued a statement encouraging Pakistan to immediately cease expulsions and allow those fleeing natural disaster to temporarily seek shelter in Pakistan while recovering.
“In these difficult times, it is vital that the international community, including Pakistan, provides humanitarian relief for those affected by this disaster,” according to UNHCR spokesperson Marta Luiza. Afghani civilians have already suffered tremendously due to ongoing war conflicts; now it is even worse after this earthquake strikes – they need safe places where they can seek refuge without fear of being sent back into an unstable and hazardous environment.”
Over the decades, Afghan refugees who had to flee violence and poverty at home have found shelter and support in Pakistan. After suffering further due to an earthquake last month, their vulnerability has grown even greater and UNHCR has asked Pakistan to prioritize humanitarian aid by providing shelter, food, and medical support for affected refugees residing there.
Pakistan, long struggling with hosting millions of refugees, has expressed grave concern at how straining it is on resources. Afghanistan refugees continue to flood into Pakistan; economic constraints and security threats prevent it from accommodating more of these migrants.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed similar worries, yet have insisted upon continuing solidarity in the aftermath of an earthquake. Pakistan is often lauded for providing refuge to Afghan refugees fleeing violence; thus many believe Pakistan must act with kindness in response to international law obligations following this disaster.
The UN has issued an urgent plea for international aid to aid Afghanistan in its earthquake recovery efforts. While immediate needs of those impacted by the quake must be met with priority, longer-term challenges such as rebuilding national infrastructure and supporting displaced individuals will necessitate global cooperation and resources from around the globe.
As this crisis plays out, the international community has closely followed events, hoping for an immediate resolution to the refugee issue and coordinated response to Afghanistan’s devastation.