Blog post by Anoussa Salim, Director and United Nations Representative for a UN Global Compact member organization.
Afghan refugees have had a significant presence in Pakistan since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Since 2024, Pakistan has hosted around 1.5 million Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers. In November 2023, Pakistani officials initiated a large-scale deportation initiative aimed at Afghan nationals, claiming that the measure was designed to combat terrorism and address security concerns along the border. However, such plans faced a severe backlash from international observers. Several reports from human rights organizations outlined how the Pakistani police engage in abusive practices, including bribery, detention, and the confiscation of refugees’ properties.
In late 2024, Pakistan announced a one-year extension for registered Afghan refugees. This decision was made in response to increasing international scrutiny and rising tensions between neighboring countries over security concerns. This new extension for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders mandates that Afghans not registered under the POR scheme must resubmit their documents. The Pakistani government and UNHCR issue Proof of Registration (POR) cards, which grant temporary legal status and limited access to services. Individuals without documentation, referred to as “Undocumented Afghan Refugees,” lack official paperwork and live in Pakistan without legal status. Without proper status, the undocumented Afghan refugees are vulnerable to deportation, detention, and limited access to services.
Historical Context of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Over the past 40 years, Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations, frequently with insufficient international support. Afghan refugees have arrived in Pakistan in multiple waves, each driven by distinct conflicts and crises in Afghanistan. The first wave occurred from 1979 to 1989; following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, millions of Afghans fled to Pakistan. By the late 1980s, around 3.5 million Afghan refugees had found shelter in Pakistan, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. The second wave took place from the early 1990s to 2001 after the Soviet withdrawal and the outbreak of civil war in Afghanistan, which led to mass displacement. The U.S.-led intervention in Afghanistan in 2001 sparked a new wave of migration, which continued following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. These waves of displacement have led to a refugee crisis as millions have fled persecution, economic collapse, and security issues. Since this last wave, the Pakistani government has tightened border controls, making it more difficult for Afghans to seek asylum.
In 2016 alone, 365,000 refugees were forcibly returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, in what Human Rights Watch described as “the world’s largest unlawful mass forced return of refugees in recent times.” The Pakistani government has spent over US $200 billion on supporting refugees in the past three decades, according to former Minister for States and Frontier Regions Mr. Abdul Qadir Baloch. The influx of millions of Afghan refugees has heightened competition for jobs and resources, particularly in low-income areas. Many Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan for over four decades, facing limited prospects for resettlement or repatriation. The Pakistani government has implemented sporadic crackdowns and forced deportations because it lacks adequate resources to sustain the growing population. Despite the assistance provided by international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the impact on Pakistan’s economy, infrastructure, and social fabric has been substantial. Pakistan’s decision to extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees reflects a complex interplay of humanitarian considerations, domestic pressures, and geopolitical realities.
Implications for Afghan Refugees
Many Afghan refugees have lived in Pakistan their entire lives, so the one-year extension provides a sense of temporary stability as they navigate the uncertainties of their future. It also grants access to essential services, such as education and healthcare, in limited capacities. The extension does not address the fundamental long-term challenges faced by Afghan refugees. Many continue to live in poverty, with restricted access to formal employment and legal protections. Moniza Kakar, a lawyer assisting Afghan migrants with obtaining POR, expresses concern that Afghan communities often encounter situations where a man may possess a POR card while his wife and children lack any documentation. The lack of a distinct route to citizenship or permanent residency exacerbates their vulnerabilities. Without a sustainable solution, refugees will continue to face uncertainty and the risk of deportation.
Elaine Pearson, the Asia director for Human Rights Watch, noted that both Pakistani officials and residents have fostered a coercive atmosphere, compelling Afghans to return to perilous situations in Afghanistan. The extension of Afghan refugees’ registration also highlights Pakistan’s complex relationship with Afghanistan and the wider international community. Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, Kabul and Islamabad have had frequent disputes over border management, trade, and security. By permitting registered refugees to stay, Pakistan is signaling a willingness to cooperate on humanitarian issues even as broader tensions persist. In a joint statement, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called on Pakistan to halt the mass deportation of Afghan refugees. They have welcomed the extension and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions, including increased resettlement opportunities in third countries and enhanced support for Afghan refugees within Pakistan. The Pakistani government has consistently called for more assistance from the international community to manage and sustain refugee migrants.
The one-year extension is a positive step, underscoring the pressing need for long-term solutions to address the Afghan refugee crisis. For Pakistan, this includes improving refugees’ legal and social status, ensuring access to education and employment, and addressing public concerns about their presence. Policies promoting integration instead of marginalization could help ease tensions and unlock the potential contributions of Afghan refugees to Pakistan’s economy and society. Efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, rebuild its economy, and address the root causes of displacement are essential to creating conditions for voluntary and sustainable returns. The international community must take action to help fund emergency needs and lead negotiations for a new Pakistan Compact that supports not only the new arrivals but also the existing Afghan population.
If Afghan refugees make positive contributions to Pakistan’s economy, the government could reconsider its stance. The demand for labor in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and informal work would influence policies that encourage the integration of refugees. In recent years, numerous examples have appeared showcasing the positive impacts of the Afghan population on Pakistan’s labor market. A notable example is the traditional carpet weaving skills that have contributed to Pakistan’s significant carpet exports, particularly in cities such as Peshawar and Quetta. Their craftsmanship has improved the quality of handmade carpets, positioning Pakistan as one of the leading exporters in the global carpet market. A policy shift from deportation to integration would require economic advantages, security assurances, political commitment, international incentives, and stable relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Without these elements, Pakistan is likely to maintain its restrictive approach.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s decision to extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees by one year reflects a complex mixture of international pressure and humanitarian considerations. While it temporarily relieves millions of vulnerable individuals, it also underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the refugee issue. For Afghan refugees, the extension serves as a lifeline, but it doesn’t resolve their long-term challenges. For Pakistan, this move highlights its generosity and the significant pressures it faces as a host country. Moving forward, a coordinated international response is crucial for addressing the root causes of displacement, assisting host communities, and ensuring a dignified future for Afghan refugees. 2025 presents a critical opportunity, but this requires all stakeholders to engage in meaningful collaboration.
Anoussa Salim is the Director and United Nations Representative for a UN Global Compact member organization. She holds a BA in Political Science and History from Fordham University and an MS in Global Affairs from New York University.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author/s and do not necessarily reflect those of the Refugee Law Initiative. We welcome comments and contributions to this blog – please comment below and see here for contribution guidelines.