Pakistan Announces Expulsion of Afghan Refugees by June 2025

Pakistan confirmed its decision to expel Afghan refugees across the country, including in major cities such as Islamabad and Rawalpindi, TOLO News reports. The announcement, made by the Embassy of the Islamic Emirate in Pakistan, reveals that all Afghan refugees, including those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, will be subject to deportation in the near future.

Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of the Islamic Emirate in Islamabad, stated that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed Afghan officials that Afghans could only remain in Pakistan with a valid visa. Both the ACC and PoR cards will no longer be recognized, with the validity of the PoR cards extended until June 30. After this date, those holding these cards will no longer have legal status in Pakistan. Afghan nationals who choose to leave voluntarily can do so, but others will face forced deportation.

The decision has raised concerns among Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan, with some describing the move as one-sided. Many refugees have expressed anxiety over the uncertainty surrounding their future in Pakistan, calling for more dialogue and attention to their concerns.

Pakistan hosts the largest number of Afghan refugees globally, and the decision to expel them represents a significant shift in the country’s refugee policy. The United Nations has previously called for an end to the forced deportation of Afghan refugees, urging Pakistan to reconsider its approach.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are closely monitoring the developments and the potential impact on both Afghan refugees and Pakistan’s broader policy on refugees.