As Pakistan’s extended deadline for Afghan refugees to leave the country expired on April 30, 2025, fear and uncertainty have intensified among the Afghan community. Since the enforcement of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” began in late 2023, over 800,000 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan, with more than 80,000 repatriated since April 1 alone.
The Pakistani government had initially set March 31 as the deadline for Afghan migrants to leave voluntarily or face deportation. However, the deadline was postponed until April 10 due to the Eid al-Fitr holidays. Despite appeals from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Pakistan has ruled out further extensions to the deportation plan.
Among those at risk are Afghan women’s rights activists who fled the Taliban’s oppressive rule and now face deportation back to Afghanistan. Many activists fear death or imprisonment if returned. International campaigns have been launched to halt the deportations and secure asylum for these individuals in third countries.
While Afghans holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards are permitted to remain in Pakistan until June 30, 2025, undocumented migrants and those awaiting third-country resettlement face immediate deportation. The situation is further complicated by the suspension of U.S. refugee programs, leaving many Afghans in limbo.
The Media Line
Human rights groups have condemned Pakistan’s actions, citing violations of international law and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
