Pakistan has started the repatriation process for Afghan refugees living in the country without legal status as the deadline for voluntary return expired on March 31. The move is part of Pakistan’s broader security strategy, citing concerns over rising terrorist threats linked to groups operating from Afghan soil.
The government had earlier requested details of Afghan students in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by March 27 to update its Foreign National Security Cell’s records. According to official figures, 878,972 Afghan refugees have already returned voluntarily. However, Amnesty International has criticized the policy, calling it “opaque” and warning of worsening conditions for returnees.
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Pakistan currently hosts 2.1 million documented Afghan refugees, with 1.3 million holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Many of these refugees have spent decades in Pakistan, particularly in Peshawar, where Afghan communities have established businesses and livelihoods.
In response, the Taliban have urged Pakistan and Iran to ensure a structured and humane repatriation process, emphasizing the difficulties returnees face in Afghanistan. Voluntary return camps have been set up, similar to those used during the previous deadline in 2023.
