Pakistan Enforces Deadline for Afghan Refugee Expulsion
March 31, 2025 – The deadline set by Pakistan for the expulsion of Afghan refugees expired today, with Islamabad confirming that the decision remains unchanged. Authorities stated that Afghan refugees without legal documentation who do not leave voluntarily will face deportation.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior announced that all necessary measures have been implemented to carry out the expulsion. Officials stated that special holding centers have been established to accommodate undocumented Afghan refugees before their deportation.
The Pakistani government has also ordered Afghan refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) to leave by March 31. Authorities warned that those who fail to comply will also face removal. Additionally, Pakistani citizens renting properties to undocumented Afghan refugees may face legal action.
To support the deportation process, operations to identify and register illegal migrants are underway. Biometric data collection is being conducted to prevent their re-entry into Pakistan.
International human rights organizations have raised concerns over the expulsion, describing it as a humanitarian challenge. Amnesty International criticized the policy, calling it “harsh” and arguing that it could endanger many Afghan refugees facing security risks in Afghanistan.
In response, the Pakistani government defended its decision, stating that the process is being conducted in accordance with humanitarian principles. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades but now aims to address undocumented migration.
Meanwhile, many Afghan refugees in Pakistan remain uncertain about their future. Some have expressed fears over returning to Afghanistan, citing security and livelihood concerns.
