Pakistan’s Afghan deportation policy draws international scrutiny 

As Pakistan prepares to enforce its phased Afghan deportation policy starting April 1, international scrutiny has intensified, with major media outlets highlighting the severe dangers awaiting refugees—particularly women—upon their forced return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

Of the more than four million Afghans living in Pakistan, the government estimates 1.7m are undocumented.

In the first week of January 2025, the federal government has assured the Supreme Court that validity of the PoR cards issued to the registered refugees had been extended until June 30.

Deportation Timeline & International Backlash
March 31: Expulsion of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders begins.

June Deadline: Documented refugees (PoR holders) allowed to stay temporarily before facing deportation.

Leading international publications, including The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN, and ABC News, have condemned the policy as “draconian”, emphasizing the life-threatening risks for vulnerable groups:

Female activists & human rights defenders.

Musicians, educators, and former US-affiliated workers.

Women refusing Taliban-imposed restrictions.

Voices of the Vulnerable
Fled Afghanistan in 2022 after advocating for women’s rights.

“Deportation means death.”

Four Girl Guitarists (Al Jazeera) escaped Taliban bans on music; now face forced return.

Behind Pakistan’s Expulsion Drive
The Financial Times cited an anonymous diplomat linking the policy to “declining international aid” as a key factor.