Pakistan set to expel Afghan residents as their Proof of Registration (PoR) cardsreach their expiration dates
Pakistan has restarted the deportation of illegal foreign nationals, with a focus on Afghan citizens, as part of its "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" in April 2025. This move marks an escalation from earlier drives starting in 2023.
The decision to resume deportations is due to Pakistan's security concerns, particularly those related to cross-border militancy linked to Taliban insurgents and ethnic separatists. Pakistan accuses many Afghans of being involved in terrorism and crime, justifying the deportations as efforts to enhance national security and reduce the burden on Pakistan's economy and social services amid internal crises.
Over one million Afghans have left Pakistan since 2023, with more than 200,000 departures since April 2025. Deportees have reported harassment, extortion, and inhumane treatment during the process, even for those with valid documents. This has created a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, a country already struggling to provide basic rights, education, and employment, especially for women. The sudden influx strains Afghanistan’s already limited resources and complicates reintegration, raising concerns about long-term stability and risks of further displacement.
The UNHCR has highlighted urgent humanitarian needs among returnees and warned of protection risks. The deportations have triggered mixed responses: while a section of the Pakistani public supports the measures due to frustrations with security and economic problems, deported Afghans and international observers criticize the humanitarian and legal aspects. Afghans awaiting resettlement in third countries like Germany also face uncertainty and fear of deportation from Pakistan despite having valid applications and documents.
As of early August 2025, deportations continue actively, with Pakistani authorities enforcing the policy in multiple provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab. Afghan nationals without valid visas or passports are no longer permitted to reside in Pakistan. Those who remain in the country after June 30, 2025, have been classified as illegal migrants.
The KP Home Department has instructed PoR cardholders, Afghan citizens, to return to their home country. The ministry has issued directives to district administrations, police, prison authorities, and other relevant officials to arrest and deport illegal foreign nationals. The non-renewal of PoR cards for Afghan citizens in Pakistan has been a source of tension and concern for the refugee population. The cessation of visa and passport services for Afghan citizens in Pakistan has been attributed to statements by senior Pakistani officials regarding the non-renewal of PoR cards.
In Peshawar and Landi Kotal, Afghan nationals have been directed to report to transit points for repatriation. This decision will involve the application of Section 14-B of the Foreigners Act to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan nationals who are currently under trial or have been convicted. Fear and uncertainty have been reported within the refugee population due to the non-renewal of PoR cards and the associated suspension of visa and passport services.
In summary, Pakistan’s resumption of deportations in 2025 stems from security threats and domestic pressures, leading to mass forced returns of Afghans amid challenging circumstances, with ongoing humanitarian, political, and regional stability implications.
- The escalation in Pakistani deportations of Afghans, as part of its "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan," has resulted in mixed opinions within the public, with some supporting the measures due to security and economic concerns, while others criticize the humanitarian and legal aspects.
- The UNHCR has emphasized urgent humanitarian needs among returnees and raised concerns about the protection risks associated with the ongoing deportations.
- With Afghan nationals without valid visas or passports no longer permitted to reside in Pakistan, politics and general news now focus on the implications this move holds for regional stability, the Afghan economy, and the welfare of Afghan citizens.
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