The United Nations has urged Pakistan to extend its deadline for the departure of Afghan refugees, stressing the importance of voluntary repatriation, humanitarian considerations, and protections for families and students.
Pakistan has announced that beginning September 1, it will start deporting approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees whose Proof of Registration (PoR) cards expired on June 30. Authorities have declared that the continued stay of these individuals is now unlawful.
In response, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appealed for an extension of the deadline, arguing for a more gradual and voluntary process. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi emphasized the need to account for the circumstances of students and individuals with deep family and social ties in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a coalition of political parties, civil society groups, and human rights advocates in Islamabad condemned the government’s decision, calling it a violation of humanitarian principles and international law. They urged an immediate suspension of deportations and the creation of legal pathways for residence, work permits, or even citizenship for law-abiding Afghans.
Since October 2023, more than 1.2 million Afghans have already been expelled from Pakistan, with up to three million more at risk of forced return under current policies.
The UNHCR continues to press for the renewal of PoR cards, which were initially due to expire in June 2024 but had been extended for one year. Without further action, refugees risk losing legal status and facing deportation.
International observers have voiced concern that large-scale expulsions without safeguards could trigger a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and students.
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