UN human rights authorities have issued a stern appeal to Pakistan, urging an immediate halt to the scheduled deportation of Afghan refugees, which is set to begin on September 1, 2025. The deportation process forms part of Pakistan’s "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan," which alarmingly now includes Afghan refugees who possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, many of whom have long-standing roots in Pakistan, with a significant number having been born there.

The call from the UN experts emphasizes that this policy breaches international law, particularly violating the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. This principle is a cornerstone of human rights treaties and customary international law, with the experts stating, “Non-refoulement is not optional.”

The urgency of their plea is underscored by references to the UNHCR’s 2023 Guidance Note on the International Protection Needs of People Fleeing Afghanistan. This document outlines the dire situation in Afghanistan, where over three million individuals have been displaced and women and girls suffer severe human rights abuses under Taliban governance, including restrictions on education and employment and limited freedom of movement.

Adding to the concerns, a July report by The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) identifies specific groups at imminent risk upon return, including former security personnel and government officials of the erstwhile Republic, as well as Afghans with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, all of whom face potential persecution and violence.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s long history as a host to Afghan refugees, the UN experts called for increased international support and criticized the reduction in third-country resettlement options. They stressed the necessity for sustainable and humane solutions that respect the rights and dignity of Afghan refugees.

Further complicating the issue, Amnesty International has documented over 750,556 forced deportations from Pakistan by March 2025, highlighting the racial profiling and harassment faced by these vulnerable groups. A UN report in late July also detailed severe human rights violations by Taliban authorities against those involuntarily returned, with disproportionate impacts on women, former officials, journalists, and civil society workers.

The situation presents a grim picture for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, placing international focus on the country’s adherence to global human rights commitments and the urgent need for a compassionate and legally compliant approach to refugee management.