Afghan refugees hold placards during a meeting to discuss their situation after President Donald Trump paused U.S. refugee programs, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Jan. 24, 2025. Pakistan is planning a new round of deportations of Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers.

Officials say Pakistan has threatened to deport Afghan refugees awaiting relocation to a third country unless their cases are swiftly processed by the host governments.

Two U.N. refugees and migration agencies have expressed their concern over Pakistan’s recent decision to forcibly deport thousands of Afghan refugees awaiting here for relocation to the United States

International agencies are expressing concerns over the relocation of Afghan nationals in Pakistan. The UNHCR and IOM are urging clarity on relocation measures and stressing the importance of human rights.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan has expressed concern over the expulsion of Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The organization is aware of the Pakistani government’s directive that all Afghans holding the ACC card must leave these cities and immediately return to Afghanistan.

The Pakistan government has devised a plan to move registered Afghan refugees out of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and gradually repatriate them back to their country. Authorities have also been directed to implement the plan without making any public announcement,

Pakistan plans to repatriate Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sparking controversy. Human rights activists challenge the decision in court.