Pakistan's Deportation of Afghan Refugees in 2025: Latest Developments

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In 2025, Pakistan began a new phase of its plan to repatriate Afghan refugees living in the country. This move has gained national and international attention due to the large number of people affected and the logistical efforts involved. Many Afghan families have lived in Pakistan for years, some for decades, and are now preparing to return to their homeland. The government has set specific deadlines for undocumented individuals, and efforts are being made to ensure a smooth and organized process. This article explains the latest updates, deadlines, and events surrounding the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.

Table of Contents

Background

Pakistan has long been a host to Afghan refugees, with many fleeing conflict and instability in Afghanistan over the past four decades. However, in October 2023, the Pakistani government initiated the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), targeting undocumented Afghans for deportation. The government cited security concerns, including cross-border militant activities, as a primary reason for this policy shift. Additionally, a significant reduction in international aid, particularly from the United States, has strained Pakistan’s capacity to support the refugee population.

The Pakistani government set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for undocumented Afghans to leave the country voluntarily. Those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) were also included in this directive. Afghans with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were granted an extension until June 30, 2025. Failure to comply with these deadlines would result in forced deportations.

Recent Developments

In April 2025, Pakistan re-implemented the IFRP, leading to the forced repatriation of nearly one million Afghan nationals, including registered refugees and asylum seekers. As of April 1, 2025, over 80,000 Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan, with the majority being transported to the Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Pakistani government has set a deadline of April 30, 2025, for undocumented Afghans to leave the country voluntarily, after which forced deportations will resume. Afghans with U.N. refugee status are allowed to stay until June 2025.

The deportation process has been particularly active in regions like Punjab and Sindh, where law enforcement agencies have conducted raids to identify and detain undocumented Afghans. In contrast, areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have seen slower implementation due to cultural and familial ties between local populations and Afghan refugees. Many Afghans in these regions have lived in Pakistan for decades, integrating into local communities through marriage and shared cultural practices.

Humanitarian Concerns

Human rights organizations have raised alarms over the mass deportations, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Many deported individuals return to Afghanistan only to face persecution, lack of shelter, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and education. A notable case involves 60 Afghan women leaders, including activists and educators, who face imminent deportation from Pakistan. These women fear imprisonment or death under Taliban rule. International campaigns have been launched to halt their deportation and secure asylum for them in third countries.

The situation is further complicated by the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) under the Trump administration. Many Afghans who had been approved for resettlement in the United States now find themselves stranded in Pakistan, facing the threat of deportation. These individuals, including former U.S. military allies, journalists, and human rights defenders, are at heightened risk if returned to Afghanistan.

International Response

The international community has expressed deep concern over Pakistan’s deportation drive. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have urged Pakistan to ensure that any relocation measures respect human rights and provide due consideration to individuals at risk of harm upon return. Furthermore, the suspension of U.S. refugee programs has left over 25,000 Afghans in limbo, many of whom had been approved for resettlement in the United States. Pakistan has warned that these individuals may be forcibly expelled if host nations do not relocate them by April 30, 2025.

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has also voiced its concerns. During a meeting on April 19, 2025, between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the latter expressed “deep concern and sadness” over the forced deportations. The Taliban urged Pakistan to prevent violations of Afghan migrants’ rights and to ensure that returning Afghans could repatriate their property proceeds from Pakistan.

Regional Dynamics

The deportation of Afghan refugees has strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. On April 19, 2025, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, visited Kabul to discuss bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, expressed “deep concern and sadness” over the forced deportations and urged Pakistan to prevent violations of Afghan migrants’ rights. The talks also addressed enhancing bilateral trade and improving security and border management.

Despite past tensions, including Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory and prolonged border closures, the meeting signaled a potential thaw in relations and a step toward improving regional cooperation. However, the ongoing deportations continue to be a point of contention between the two nations.

The Bottom Line

The ongoing repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan highlights the need for continued coordination between countries, humanitarian groups, and global partners. As deadlines approach, it is important to focus on safe transitions, proper documentation, and support for individuals and families returning to Afghanistan. Ensuring that the process remains orderly and respectful helps promote stability and well-being for all involved. With thoughtful planning and cooperation, this situation can be managed in a way that prioritizes safety, dignity, and long-term solutions for those affected.