Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Fear and Uncertainty Over Deportation

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Key Takeaways

Pakistan’s Interior Ministry will deport undocumented Afghan refugees starting April 1, 2025, targeting those without legal documentation or Afghan Citizen Cards.
Proof of Registration cardholders have an extended legal stay until June 30, 2025, but must leave after this deadline.
Mass deportations risk humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, worsening food insecurity, unemployment, and straining regional stability and international relations.

As of March 31, 2025, Afghan refugees in Pakistan 🇵🇰 are trapped in a tough and uncertain situation. Pakistan, which has been a sanctuary for millions of Afghans escaping war, poverty, and persecution for decades, is now enforcing strict deportation orders. These new measures aim to reduce the undocumented population of Afghan nationals in its borders. For the thousands of refugees who have lived their entire lives in Pakistan, this has created a deep sense of fear and insecurity. This article explores the challenges faced by Afghan refugees, the details of Pakistan’s deportation orders, and the effects of this policy on individuals, communities, and broader regional stability.

Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Fear and Uncertainty Over Deportation

Pakistan’s Deportation Policy: A Crackdown on Afghan Refugees

In late 2023, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry announced its intention to deport all undocumented foreigners from the country, with a strong focus on Afghan nationals. March 31, 2025, was designated as the deadline for Afghan refugees lacking formal documentation to leave voluntarily. On April 1, 2025, deportations were set to begin for those who remain undocumented. These policies also extend to those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs), which offer limited identification benefits but do not provide formal refugee protection. Notably, Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, who have legal refugee status, were granted an extension until June 30, 2025.

Pakistani officials cite security concerns as the reason for these tough measures, claiming that Afghan nationals have links to criminal activities and militancy. These allegations have been denied by the Afghan government, but they have been used to justify intensified enforcement, sparking criticism from human rights groups, the United Nations, and international communities. They fear the policy could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

Intensified Measures by Authorities

Local authorities and law enforcement in cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi have begun aggressive crackdowns on Afghan refugee communities. These include door-to-door searches, raids, and frequent arrests of individuals without the proper documentation. Refugees and advocates report increasing harassment, unfair treatment, and even physical abuse. Women and children have not been spared, and such actions have led to widespread alarm across Afghan refugee populations.

Police actions have also been criticized for corruption. Many refugees have claimed they were forced to pay bribes to evade arrest, creating financial hardships for some of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals. The Afghan Embassy has accused Pakistan of unfairly targeting refugees, describing the sudden changes as unjust and a violation of individuals’ rights.

Those who lack the funds to relocate to Afghanistan or the ability to prove their legal status in Pakistan are falling through the cracks, living in hiding, and fearing deportation. Many refugees describe their daily lives as a constant battle to avoid detection.

Hardship for Refugees Who’ve Lived in Pakistan for Generations

The deportation policies have caused particular suffering for Afghan refugees who were born and raised in Pakistan. They have spent much, if not all, of their lives building homes, families, and careers in Pakistan. For thousands, particularly second- and third-generation refugees, Afghanistan feels more like a foreign country than a home. People like Mohammad Laal Khan express heartbreak at being forced to leave their only home. “Pakistan is where I grew up and where I belong,” he shared. His story is not unique, as many Afghan refugees feel disconnected from Afghanistan, despite their citizenship.

Returning to Afghanistan poses real challenges. The current regime’s policies have not only restricted freedoms for many groups, but the political climate remains deeply uncertain. Those connected in any way to previous governments or international efforts fear persecution. Even for those unconcerned about political threats, the economic reality is grim. Afghanistan continues to face job shortages, rising costs of living, and social isolation for those who lack networks to integrate back into the country.

A Long History of Migration and Struggle

The story of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is not a new one—its roots go back over 40 years. The first wave of Afghan migration began during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 when millions fled to Pakistan 🇵🇰. Over decades of war, weak governments, and external interventions, waves of Afghans crossed into Pakistan seeking safety. Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan witnessed another influx of refugees, especially those fearing retaliation for their association with international forces or Afghan opposition groups.

Today, approximately 3 million Afghans reside in Pakistan. Among these, 1.3 million hold PoR cards, which provide legal refugee status, while 800,000 carry ACCs. An additional one million have no formal documentation at all, giving them no legal protection. Historically, Afghan refugees in Pakistan have faced discrimination and poor living conditions, depending heavily on international aid and local goodwill to survive.

Negative Effects of Mass Deportations

The forced return of hundreds of thousands of refugees to Afghanistan will likely have far-reaching consequences. International organizations have raised serious concerns about the humanitarian impact, as Afghanistan remains one of the least stable countries globally. Its economy is fragile, resources are overstretched, and many basic services are inaccessible. A sudden influx of returnees risks deepening food insecurity, homelessness, and unemployment.

Moreover, there are concerns about the destabilizing effects on relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Forcing refugees out fuels tension between the two nations. While Pakistan accuses Afghan refugees of contributing to insecurity and crime, the Afghan government says these claims are baseless. Both countries share a troubled border, which has already been the site of disputes. Rapid expulsions could stoke further unrest, possibly spilling over into regional instability.

Internationally, Pakistan faces criticism for violating human rights agreements. The United Nations and other bodies have called for more humane solutions, urging Pakistan to reconsider mass deportations and ensure protection for the vulnerable. These actions could tarnish Pakistan’s image in the global arena, especially as it has long been recognized for hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world.

Calls for a Balanced, Humane Response

International organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have urged Pakistan to rethink its decision and halt deportations. Human rights groups have also called upon the government to ensure proper legal safeguards for any returning refugees. The timing of the deportation orders, paired with limited preparation for those who must return, raises concerns about how Afghanistan can handle this reintegration process effectively.

Humanitarian organizations stress the need for dialogue between the Pakistani and Afghan governments, as well as greater involvement from the international community. Financial and logistical help from global partners is essential to reduce pressure on both Pakistan and Afghanistan while ensuring refugees are treated with dignity.

Advocates argue that any solution must consider the challenges unique to Afghan refugees, including their decades-long presence in Pakistan and the difficulties of returning to Afghanistan under current conditions. Clearer pathways to legal protection, better screening to prioritize vulnerable individuals, and international aid for refugee support are part of suggested solutions.

What’s Next?

The ongoing situation for Afghan refugees serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by displaced people worldwide. While Pakistan has valid reasons to manage its borders and address its security concerns, these actions must prioritize fairness, compassion, and adherence to global standards of human rights.

As the world watches events unfold, the commitment of governments, human rights organizations, and international bodies will determine the fate of millions. For individuals whose lives hang in the balance, the difference between a hopeful future and ongoing suffering lies in creating deliberate, humane policies.

For more information on refugee policies and legal protections, you can visit official sources like UNHCR’s website. As highlighted by VisaVerge.com, the Afghan refugee crisis underscores the importance of striking a balance between national concerns and global responsibility. Only by addressing these challenges in a fair and inclusive way can we hope to ease the uncertainty tormenting Afghan refugees and help them find stability.

Learn Today

Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) → An identification document for Afghan nationals in Pakistan that offers limited benefits but lacks formal refugee status.
Proof of Registration (PoR) Card → A legal document granting Afghan refugees in Pakistan recognized refugee status and certain protections until a specified deadline.
Deportation → The forced removal of a person or group from a country, often due to lack of legal documentation.
Humanitarian Crisis → A situation where large populations suffer extreme hardship, often due to conflict, natural disasters, or resource scarcity.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) → An international organization providing protection, aid, and solutions for displaced and stateless people worldwide.

This Article in a Nutshell

Afghan Refugees Face Uncertain Future in Pakistan

As of March 2025, Afghan refugees in Pakistan confront fear and insecurity as strict deportation policies loom. Millions, including generations raised in Pakistan, risk displacement. With Afghanistan’s instability and strained relations between nations, humane solutions are crucial. International collaboration is needed to balance security, human rights, and dignity for vulnerable refugees.