Pakistan extends visas for 1.45 million Afghans but denies deportations on hold

Pakistan has announced an extension to the stay of nearly 1.5 million registered Afghan refugees, while continuing to deport “illegal immigrants.” The extension applies to Afghan refugees with Proof of Registration (POR) cards and allows them to stay until June 30, 2025. The fate of the 1.45 million refugees whose PORs expired had been uncertain, causing fear of deportation. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disputed claims that the deportation plan had been put on hold. Pakistan is home to a significant refugee population, mainly from Afghanistan, and has a history of mixed policies towards Afghan refugees.