Pakistan Halts Afghan Refugee Repatriation Plan

Pakistan has temporarily suspended its “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” for Afghan refugees, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday citing the UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi.

After meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, Grandi expressed appreciation for the decision and sought assurances that the plan would remain on hold.

Grandi, who recently concluded a three-day visit to Pakistan, praised the country’s “proud tradition” of hospitality towards Afghan refugees and called for an “urgent reset” of the aid model to address the protracted displacement situation.

He offered to facilitate a dialogue later this year to develop a comprehensive solution that benefits both the Afghan population and Pakistan.

The UN estimates that Pakistan currently hosts around 3 million Afghan refugees, including 1.3 million registered and 880,000 with legal status to stay.

Grandi emphasized the need to explore alternatives to voluntary repatriation, such as third-country resettlement and longer-term solutions within Pakistan.