Pakistan to Expel Afghan Refugees by March 31, 2025; Refugees Face Uncertainty Amid Global Criticism

ISLAMABAD:In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the Pakistani government has decided to expel Afghan refugees from the country by March 31, 2025. This decision is part of Pakistan’s “illegal foreign nationals repatriation plan,” which includes a phased return for Afghan refugees based on their documentation status.

**Phased Return Plan:**
The Pakistani government has announced that Afghan refugees will be sent back in three stages:
1. **First Phase** – Undocumented refugees will be the first to be sent back.
2. **Second Phase** – Afghan nationals holding ACC cards will be repatriated.
3. **Third Phase** – Refugees registered with the UNHCR holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will be the last group to return.

This move has been attributed to Pakistan’s concerns over its economic strain and national security. However, it has drawn sharp criticism from global human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, who argue that this decision endangers the lives of Afghan refugees and violates international human rights laws.

**Afghan Refugees in Dilemma:**
Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing significant uncertainty, hoping that the U.S. will offer a solution before the March deadline. Many refugees, especially women, fear for their safety if they are forced to return to Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has imposed harsh restrictions on women’s rights, including education and employment.

An Afghan refugee in Islamabad, who requested anonymity, expressed concerns, saying, “We have burned our bridges; returning to Afghanistan is no longer an option. Our lives are in danger there.”

**Growing Pressure on Pakistan:**
The Pakistani government’s crackdown on Afghan refugees has intensified, with authorities detaining refugees, including women and children, and sending them back to Afghanistan through border crossings. In major cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad, many refugees have been taken into custody, facing difficult conditions in detention, where they are reportedly required to pay bribes for basic necessities.

**International Response:**
This decision has already attracted significant international backlash. Human rights groups and refugee advocacy organizations have condemned Pakistan’s approach, calling it a violation of refugee rights. With the international community closely monitoring the situation, there are concerns that Pakistan’s actions could strain its relations with neighboring Afghanistan and international organizations that support refugees.

**Hope for a Change:**
Despite the bleak situation, many Afghan refugees are holding on to hope that the United States or other international bodies might intervene. Some refugees have expressed optimism, citing support from immigrant rights organizations in the U.S. that are pushing for better treatment and asylum opportunities.

The coming months will be crucial for Afghan refugees in Pakistan as they await the resolution of their future, with March 31, 2025, marking a pivotal deadline. The situation remains tense as both the refugees and Pakistan brace for the impact of the government’s decision.