The Pakistani government has issued a final repatriation deadline for Afghan refugees residing in Mashkhel, a border tehsil of Washuk district in Balochistan, warning them to return to Afghanistan by August 31, 2025, or face legal consequences.
According to an official notification released by the Mashkhel administration, all Afghan nationals currently residing in Pakistan, including those possessing Proof of Registration (PoR) and Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), have been directed to leave the country voluntarily by the set date.
The statement clearly warns that after August 31, any Afghan national found residing in Pakistan without valid permission will be subject to legal action, including arrest, deportation, and other punitive measures under national laws.
“There will be no leniency after the deadline,” said a senior official from the local administration, adding that relevant departments have already been instructed to prepare for post-deadline enforcement.
This is the latest in a series of repatriation announcements made by the Pakistani government since 2023, as part of a broader national policy to regulate undocumented foreign nationals and manage internal security concerns.
While the directive has sparked concern among refugee communities, the government maintains that it has provided ample time and opportunity for voluntary return, especially to those holding recognised identity documents.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has once again appealed to the government of Pakistan to reconsider the timeline and allow an extension in the stay of Afghan refugees, citing humanitarian grounds and ongoing instability in Afghanistan.
The situation remains sensitive, with rights groups, local authorities, and international agencies closely monitoring the developments as the August 31 deadline approaches.
