Pakistan announced on Wednesday that it would allow 1.45 million Afghan refugees to stay in the country for an additional year. However, the country also reaffirmed its commitment to deporting unregistered migrants, a policy that has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
Since last year, when Islamabad ordered unauthorized Afghan migrants to leave Pakistan or face imprisonment, nearly 600,000 Afghans have departed. Human rights observers have warned that those deported to Afghanistan under Taliban rule lack adequate assistance and may face persecution from the new government in Kabul.
The Pakistani cabinet approved an extension until June 2025 for the 1.45 million Afghan refugees who possess Proof of Registration cards, legally allowing them to reside in Pakistan. These cards, which expired at the end of last month, provided holders with legal certainty about their right to remain in the country. However, not all Afghan citizens in Pakistan have these cards, and even those who do have reported facing harassment and intimidation to leave.
Islamabad’s announcement came a day after a visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi. In a statement, the UNHCR expressed appreciation for the suspension of Pakistan’s ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.’ However, a Pakistani foreign office spokeswoman denied this, stating that the scheme remains in place and is being implemented in a phased manner.
Meanwhile, Pakistani immigration officials at the Torkham border crossing, the busiest crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, have begun confiscating documents, including refugee registration cards, from departing Afghans. This measure, reportedly implemented under instructions from the Ministry of Interior, aims to ensure that those departing do not return to Pakistan and instead leave permanently. However, they can re-enter after obtaining a visa.
Millions of Afghans have fled to Pakistan over the years, seeking refuge from decades of conflict. An estimated 600,000 arrived since the Taliban seized power in August 2021. Pakistan has justified its deportation scheme by citing security concerns and economic strain. Analysts suggest that Pakistan is pressuring Kabul over increasing attacks in Pakistan’s border regions with Afghanistan, where the Taliban government is accused of providing safe haven for militants.
