Registered Afghan Refugees’ Stay Expires in Balochistan; Government Halts Action Pending Federal Decision

Quetta:The stay period for registered Afghan refugees residing in Balochistan officially expired on **June 30**, but the provincial government has directed law enforcement agencies to refrain from taking any action against them until further orders from the federal government are issued.

According to a circular issued by the Balochistan Home Department, despite the expiration of the legal stay of registered Afghan refugees, **no formal repatriation or deportation policy** has yet been announced by the federal authorities. Following directives from the Ministry of SAFRON and the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, the Balochistan government has instructed the **Inspector General of Police**, **Commissioners**, **Deputy Commissioners**, and other relevant officials to **avoid any harassment or legal action** against registered refugees.

As per the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees, over **305,000 registered Afghan refugees** are currently residing in Balochistan, including those in **ten official refugee camps** and various urban and rural settlements across the province.

The situation remains in limbo as both federal and provincial authorities await a clear policy decision regarding the future of registered Afghan nationals who have been living in Pakistan for decades.

Let me know if you’d like this translated into Urdu or shortened for a press release.