RASC News Agency: Pakistani media outlets have reported that the government of Pakistan is set to initiate the second phase of expulsions for undocumented Afghanistani migrants. In this phase, at least 800,000 individuals are at risk of being deported. According to official documents from Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, these migrants have been given until March 31, 2025, to leave the country. Currently, approximately 800,000 Afghanistani migrants reside in Pakistan on temporary EAC (Emergency Accommodation Cards). Reports indicate that the stay of Afghanistani nationals intending to migrate to a third country has been extended until June 30, 2025. However, those who fail to secure a visa for another country by September 2025 will be deemed illegal immigrants and face deportation.
Additionally, Afghanistani migrants who are still waiting for visas after March 31 will no longer be allowed to stay in Islamabad. Instead, they will be relocated to other cities before being sent back to Afghanistan. The Prime Minister’s Office has instructed security agencies to submit bi-weekly reports to ensure these decisions are properly implemented. Despite appeals from international organizations, Pakistan remains resolute in its decision to expel Afghanistani migrants. Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan have also become increasingly strained. Previously, Pakistan launched an extensive plan to repatriate Afghanistani migrants, citing security concerns and the rising number of illegal migrants as key motivations.
Both the United Nations and Western governments have urged Pakistan to reconsider its stance on expelling Afghanistani migrants. Many observers believe that Pakistan is using these expulsions as leverage to pressure the Taliban. A significant number of Afghanistani migrants in Pakistan are still awaiting resettlement in a third country, yet global crises, such as the Ukraine war and turmoil in the Middle East, have diverted attention from the situation of Afghanistani migrants. Afghanistani migrants in Pakistan are facing severe hardships. Ongoing police harassment, nighttime detentions, the high cost of visa renewals, and the constant threat of deportation have become major sources of anxiety for the migrant community.
