Pakistan has temporarily stopped the expulsion of undocumented migrants from Afghanistan following talks with the UN refugee agency. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, concluded his three-day visit and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
“The ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ has been suspended,” stated a post-visit UNHCR release, highlighting Grandi’s efforts to ensure the suspension continues. A senior Pakistani official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, confirmed the pause in deportations, underscoring humanitarian reasons amid Afghanistan’s challenging conditions.
During Grandi’s meetings with Pakistani leaders, discussions centered on the fate of approximately 3 million Afghans residing in Pakistan. Of these, about 1.3 million are recognized refugees, nearly 900,000 hold Afghan citizenship cards, and others await asylum or lack valid documentation since fleeing Taliban rule in 2021.
Last November, Pakistan intensified efforts against undocumented foreigners, attributing security concerns to their presence. The crackdown primarily targeted over 1 million Afghan migrants, resulting in the repatriation of nearly 600,000 individuals. Grandi also visited Afghan refugee communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, advocating for comprehensive solutions beyond repatriation.
While Islamabad alleges militant attacks originate from Afghan sanctuaries, Taliban authorities reject claims of harboring anti-Pakistan groups. The situation underscores regional complexities as Pakistan continues hosting millions of Afghan refugees, necessitating global responsibility-sharing and sustainable resettlement strategies.
