Islamabad, April 1, 2025 – In a move reflecting both logistical pragmatism and cultural sensitivity, Pakistan has pushed back its deadline for deporting hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, originally set for March 31, to accommodate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays. The decision, confirmed by a senior government official on Tuesday, underscores the challenges of balancing immigration enforcement with the rhythms of a major religious celebration marking the end of Ramadan. While no precise new date was announced, sources suggest the extension will likely align with the resumption of normal administrative operations next week.
The initial deadline was part of Pakistan’s intensified repatriation campaign, targeting Afghans holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), a temporary legal status issued by Pakistani authorities to approximately 800,000 individuals, according to UN estimates. The policy also affects over 1.3 million Afghans with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards from the UN refugee agency, who face relocation from Islamabad and Rawalpindi to other parts of the country. This latest phase of deportations follows a broader crackdown launched in October 2023, which has already seen over 845,000 Afghans leave Pakistan, driven by security concerns and rising tensions with the Taliban-led government in Kabul.
“Eid is a time of unity and reflection,” said the official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter. “It’s impractical to proceed with such a large-scale operation when families are focused on celebration and government offices are scaled back.” The postponement offers a temporary reprieve for Afghan communities, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades, fleeing successive waves of conflict in their homeland.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, have welcomed the delay but continue to criticize the deportations as a violation of international norms, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which protects refugees from being returned to places where they face persecution. Meanwhile, the Taliban has reiterated calls for a “dignified” return process, with Prime Minister Hassan Akhund urging Pakistan to support voluntary repatriation over forced removals.
As Pakistan navigates this complex issue, the extension highlights the intersection of policy and tradition. For now, Afghan families in cities like Karachi and Peshawar can celebrate Eid without the immediate threat of upheaval, though the specter of deportation looms just beyond the festivities. With nearly 3 million Afghans still in the country, the coming weeks will test Islamabad’s resolve—and its humanity.
