Responding to international pressure, Pakistan has extended the deadline for the deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees awaiting relocation to Western countries until February 29. The decision follows discussions between US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West and Pakistan’s caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jillani, occurring a week prior to the extension announcement. Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi stated that the move aims to encourage Afghan nationals to acquire legal documentation or finalize evacuation plans in third countries promptly. Various issues, including the deportation of undocumented Afghans, were addressed during West’s visit.
The forced expulsion of undocumented Afghans has faced criticism from human rights activists, UN officials, and others, prompting calls for Pakistan to reconsider its controversial policy. The cabinet also decided to reduce the fine for Afghan nationals without legal documents or processing fees who overstay in Pakistan to USD 400, down from the earlier amount of USD 800.
The cabinet was informed that around 450,000 people, mostly voluntarily, had returned to Afghanistan since the nationwide crackdown was announced following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The crackdown stipulated that individuals without proper documents had to leave Pakistan by October 31 or face arrest. The migration of Afghans to Pakistan surged after the Taliban assumed control in Afghanistan.
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