Pakistan’s Deportation Drive Put Careers Of Female Afghan Students In Jeopardy

Last Updated:August 23, 2026, 09:41 IST

Afghan students in Pakistan face deportation as visa extensions remain suspended, with two female students from Islamabad’s Islamic University detained and threatened with removal.

Afghan students in Pakistan are being deported for no fault of their own. (Image source: AFP)

Afghan students in Pakistan are facing growing uncertainty as the government continues to withhold visa extensions, with several students now at risk of deportation and disruption to their education. The detention of two Afghan Students has triggered calls for an end to this targeting.

The visa extension process for Afghan students has reportedly remained suspended for around a year and a half. The situation has left students, including those enrolled in Pakistani universities, unsure about whether they will be able to complete their studies.

Two women students from the International Islamic University Islamabad are among those facing the consequences. Surooda Rahim and Hasina Rahim, who were studying in the seventh and sixth semesters respectively, were detained in the Wah Cantt area and taken to the Attock Detention Centre.

Students Face Deportation

The detention of the two students has raised concerns over their education, with calls growing for authorities to stop their deportation and allow them to complete their courses.

Both students were pursuing their degrees at the International Islamic University and had reached advanced stages of their programmes. Their detention and the threat of deportation could force them to abandon their studies.

The development comes amid a wider crackdown on Afghan nationals in Pakistan, where students are also facing difficulties because of the continued suspension of visa extensions. Afghan students have been particularly affected, as those unable to renew their visas risk being detained or deported despite being enrolled in educational institutions.

Education Disrupted Amid Crackdown

The situation has created uncertainty for Afghan students who depend on valid visas to remain in Pakistan and continue their education. The deportation of students who are already several semesters into their courses has also raised concerns about the loss of years of academic work.

Student groups and others concerned about the welfare of Afghan students are calling on Pakistani authorities to review the cases and prevent deportations that could disrupt their education. With visa extensions still suspended, Afghan students across Pakistan remain uncertain about their future and whether they will be allowed to complete their studies.

Key Questions Answered

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Will Pakistan reverse its deportation policy for Afghan students?

The current reporting does not indicate that Pakistan will reverse its deportation policy for Afghan students. Instead, Afghan students in Pakistan continue to face uncertainty due to suspended visa extensions and the risk of deportation.

What impact will this have on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations?

Pakistan’s deportation drive, which includes female Afghan students, is part of a wider crackdown on Afghan nationals that has strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tensions have been rising due to various factors, including intermittent hostilities along the border and Pakistani airstrikes.

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About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18

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