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**Pakistan Grants Temporary Reprieve to Afghan Refugees Ahead of Eid**
*Islamabad* – In a humanitarian gesture, Pakistan has announced a temporary suspension of its controversial deportation drive targeting undocumented Afghan refugees during the upcoming **Eid-ul-Adha** festivities.
The decision comes just days before the expiration of the government's June 30 deadline for the expulsion of an estimated **1.7 million** Afghans lacking proper documentation. Interior Ministry officials confirmed the pause, stating enforcement would resume after the holiday period.
"This deferment reflects our Islamic values of compassion during this sacred time," said caretaker Interior Minister **Sarfaraz Bugti**, while reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to the eventual removal of all illegal residents.
The move follows mounting pressure from:
- **Human rights organizations** warning of potential family separations
- **UN agencies** highlighting Afghanistan's inability to absorb returnees
- **Diplomatic channels** urging reconsideration of the policy
Afghan refugee communities across Pakistan expressed cautious relief. "We can breathe for a few more weeks," said **Kabul-born shopkeeper Najibullah**, among thousands who fled Taliban rule in 2021. "But our future remains uncertain."
Analysts suggest the pause may allow for:
1. Bilateral negotiations with Afghanistan's Taliban government
2. Potential revisions to Pakistan's deportation criteria
3. International community engagement on long-term solutions
The government maintains the policy is necessary for national security, citing alleged militant infiltration among refugee populations.
*(Next phase of deportations expected mid-July following Eid holidays)*
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**Background Briefing:**
◉ Pakistan hosts ≈3.7M Afghan refugees since 1979
◉ 600K+ returned since deportation threat began Nov 2023
◉ UNHCR reports 70% returnees face acute hardship news.update.trending news
