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.

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

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.

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.