Islamabad – American media outlet The Washington Post has drawn criticism in Pakistan after publishing a report on October 5, 2025, alleging that Islamabad deported Afghans awaiting resettlement in the United States, including those who had worked with American forces.

The report linked the suspension of refugee arrivals under US President Donald Trump, which delayed the relocation of Afghans approved for resettlement in the United States, to actions by Pakistani authorities.

Islamabad, however, has rejected this characterization, saying the issue is far more complex. Pakistani officials point to the country’s decades-long role in hosting Afghan refugees and to the repeated delays in Western resettlement programs as the root of the crisis. Authorities have also raised concerns over refugee-related security challenges at various international forums.

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Decades of Hosting Afghan Refugees

Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, remaining one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations despite economic hardship and security challenges. Over the past four decades, Pakistan has provided shelter, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities to Afghan nationals without discrimination.

Authorities note that even during periods of political instability and financial strain, Pakistan kept its borders open to civilians fleeing war and persecution. Generations of Afghans have lived, studied, and worked in Pakistan, with many becoming part of local communities.

Officials also cite long-standing cooperation with international agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and The International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate voluntary repatriation and ensure humanitarian standards. They maintain that isolated administrative lapses should not be interpreted as a policy of forced deportation.

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Disputed Narratives and Delayed Resettlement

According to officials, there has been no organized effort to deport Afghans cleared for U. resettlement. Instead, Pakistan says it has coordinated with international partners to support and facilitate individuals awaiting relocation.

Islamabad emphasizes that Afghans who worked with US and NATO missions were promised relocation and protection by those governments, not by Pakistan. Officials argue that the suspension and delays in these Western programs have left thousands in uncertainty.

Experts say Pakistan continues to face mounting pressures due to declining international support and limited funding for refugee management. Despite resource constraints, the country still hosts one of the largest displaced populations in the world.

Analysts add that accountability ultimately lies with the United States and its allies, who initiated the resettlement programs but have been slow to implement them.

Pakistan’s stance remains that it supports safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of Afghan nationals and seeks continued cooperation with the international community for a sustainable and humanitarian solution.