Afghan Female Students in Pakistan Face Deportation Risk as Visa Renewals Stall

Afghan female students in Pakistan are at risk of deportation due to stalled visa renewals and intensified crackdowns by Pakistani authorities on undocumented migrants.

Students report that their visa extension applications have been rejected despite repeated submissions and proof of university enrollment. Those who returned to Afghanistan for holidays have been unable to re-enter Pakistan because of expired visas. Fearing police detention, many students are confining themselves to their hostels and campuses.

Some students have faced visa processing delays exceeding one year, accompanied by rising costs. There have also been cases of detention stemming from misunderstandings with authorities.

Education activists warn that Pakistan's actions could violate international obligations regarding education and deportation. They note that since the Taliban imposed restrictions on women's education in Afghanistan, many Afghan girls have been studying in Pakistan.

The students expressed worries over potential forced returns to Afghanistan, where educational opportunities for women remain limited under Taliban rules.