The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a ruling on April 10, 2026, that prevents the deportation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, providing a significant legal reprieve for those facing expulsion. The decision emerged from a hearing where a division bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Fahim Wali, considered petitions from Afghan citizens seeking protection.
The petitioners, represented by counsel Saifullah Mohib, argued that the ongoing crackdown on Afghan refugees posed a severe threat to their safety, with risks of arrest and forced deportation. Mohib highlighted that many petitioners had served in various roles in Afghanistan and were awaiting relocation under international programs.
The court’s decision comes amid reports that even Afghans with valid visas have been targeted by law enforcement, raising concerns about the protection of fundamental rights. Justice Inamullah, in a related case, ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to expedite the issuance of Proof of Citizenship (POC) cards within six months.
This ruling is expected to provide temporary relief to Afghan nationals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, who are living under the threat of deportation. The court’s intervention underscores the critical need for humane treatment and adherence to legal protections for refugees in Pakistan.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 11, 2026
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