Pakistan court pauses deportation of 18 Afghans

A Pakistani court on Monday temporarily halted the deportation of 18 Afghan nationals, in a ruling that could set a precedent for others caught in the country’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

In a written order, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar directed the Interior Ministry, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and police to respond to a petition filed on behalf of the Afghans.

Notices were issued to all relevant authorities, with detailed replies due before the next hearing on Sept. 18.

The petitioners, represented by lawyer Adil Aziz Qazi, argued that their Proof of Registration cards -- documents granting temporary residency and protection under a U.N.-backed scheme -- were canceled on Aug. 4, and deportation orders were issued.

The petition noted that the Afghans are family members of the late Fazal Rehman, who had applied for Pakistani citizenship in 2008 but never received a decision.

The court ruled that “no coercive action” should be taken against the petitioners until the matter is resolved and asked the government to submit “para-wise comments” detailing its position.

The ruling comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s sweeping campaign to deport undocumented foreigners, particularly Afghans.

Authorities launched the crackdown in 2023, citing security concerns and economic strain. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans—many of whom fled war and persecution in Afghanistan over four decades—have since been ordered to leave voluntarily or face deportation.

Human rights groups and the United Nations refugee agency have criticized the policy, warning of humanitarian risks for Afghans with deep ties to Pakistan or pending asylum and citizenship claims.