179 Afghan Migrants Released from Pakistani Prisons Amid Deportation Deadline: UN and Amnesty Raise Alarms

A Flashpoint in the Repatriation Crisis

In late June 2025, 179 Afghan migrants were released from Pakistani prisons and returned to Afghanistan via Spin Boldak, just as Pakistan’s controversial June 30 deportation deadline for undocumented foreigners came into effect. This development highlights the accelerating implementation of Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP) and growing international concern over the treatment of Afghan refugees.

Background: Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan” (IFRP)

Launched in October 2023, the IFRP aims to repatriate 3.7 million Afghans in Pakistan, including:

• 1.45 million PoR cardholders (registered refugees)
• 850,000 ACC holders (Afghan Citizen Cards)
• 1.4 million undocumented Afghans

The plan has proceeded in phases, initially targeting undocumented migrants, followed by ACC holders in early 2025. The June 30 deadline marked the end of legal protection for PoR cardholders, leaving them vulnerable to arrest and deportation.

Recent Developments: Release and Repatriation via Spin Boldak

From June 25–30, 179 Afghan prisoners were released and repatriated through Spin Boldak, Kandahar province. The releases included:

• 25 migrants on June 29
• 12 migrants on June 30

According to the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, many of those released held valid PoR cards or UNHCR documentation; raising legal concerns over arbitrary detention and violation of refugee rights.

Upon arrival, returnees were registered and provided humanitarian assistance by Afghan authorities and international agencies like the IOM.

Documentation Issues: PoR Cards and UN Recognition Ignored

• PoR cards, issued by UNHCR & Pakistani authorities, are meant to protect holders from deportation and provide access to services.
• Despite this, many PoR holders are being detained or deported, contradicting public assurances by Pakistan’s Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court.
• ACC holders (approx. 80,000) and undocumented migrants remain even more vulnerable under the IFRP.

Legal & Humanitarian Concerns: Amnesty International and UN Reaction

Amnesty International has condemned Pakistan’s policy, stating:

“The mass deportation of Afghans; including registered refugees, violates international law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement.”

Amnesty’s Key Warnings:

• #UndoTheDeadline campaign launched April 2025
• Risk of persecution for journalists, women, activists, former officials
• Economic collapse in Afghanistan worsens reintegration
• Children and female-headed households face severe vulnerability

Over 1 million Afghans have returned; voluntarily or forcibly, since the IFRP began. Many are returning to a country in humanitarian crisis, with lack of shelter, food, jobs, and education.

Pakistan’s Security Justification vs. Rights Concerns

Pakistan cites security threats and alleged involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorism, especially with TTP.

Critics, including Human Rights Watch and the Crisis Group, argue this scapegoats refugees and threatens regional stability.

Border & Humanitarian Implications

• Spin Boldak and Torkham crossings are overwhelmed
• As many as 20,000 daily returnees projected in worst-case scenarios
• UN’s Integrated Response Plan (2025) faces severe funding shortages
• Returnees limited to PKR 50,000 (USD ~$175) in personal cash when exiting

What Happens Now?

With the June 30 deadline passed, 1.45 million PoR cardholders are uncertain about their status. No official extension has been announced.

Rights groups urge:

• Extension of PoR card validity
• Transparent asylum system
• Suspension of forced deportations
• International community to boost resettlement and aid

Key Afghan Refugee Categories in Pakistan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why were Afghan refugees detained despite holding PoR cards?
A: Many were detained arbitrarily due to poor law enforcement coordination, ethnic profiling, or local police corruption, despite holding valid refugee status.

Q2: What happens to Afghans deported to Afghanistan?
A: Most face hardship: lack of shelter, jobs, healthcare, education, and risk of Taliban reprisals; especially women, journalists, and former officials.

Q3: Is the June 30, 2025 deadline final?
A: As of now, it has passed. Some reports indicate an extension is under review, but no official announcement has been made.

Q4: Is Pakistan violating international law?
A: Yes; according to Amnesty International and UNHCR, deporting registered refugees violates non-refoulement, a principle of international customary law.

Summary

Q: What happened to the 179 Afghan migrants released from Pakistani prisons in June 2025?
A: Over six days, 179 Afghan migrants; many with valid UNHCR or PoR documents, were released from prisons in Pakistan and returned via Spin Boldak. Their detention and deportation raise serious legal concerns, especially after Pakistan’s June 30 deportation deadline for Afghan refugees. Amnesty International and the UN warn of legal violations and humanitarian crises.