Pakistan has postponed the deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees due to the Eidul Fitr holidays, delaying the planned expulsion until next week. The move comes after the initial March 31 deadline targeted Afghans with specific documentation for repatriation.
Under the revised plan, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, estimated at 800,000 by the UN, will face deportation once the new deadline expires. Additionally, over 1.3 million Afghans with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards are set to be relocated outside Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Also Read: Pakistan Begins Afghan Refugee Repatriation as Deadline Ends
The deportation policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups, warning that many Afghans have lived in Pakistan for decades and now face an uncertain future. Afghan officials have urged host countries to support voluntary repatriation instead of forced removals.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen since the Taliban’s return to power, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants. The Taliban government denies these claims, calling for dignified refugee returns and international assistance.
