Hundreds of Afghan students studying in Pakistan are deeply concerned over the suspension of their visa extension process.
Kabul 24: Many have submitted renewal applications months ago but have received no response from Pakistani authorities, leaving them at risk of arrest and forced deportation.
Sadiq Shariati, President of the Afghan Students Union in Islamabad, stated: “They are not granting the right to extend educational visas so that students can continue their studies in a free environment.
The injustice created is directed only at Afghan students.”Students report that universities are demanding valid visas, while the issuance and renewal of visas are entirely beyond their control.
Many now face the constant threat of detention and expulsion. The situation has worsened following reports of the arrest of two Afghan female students at the International Islamic University in Islamabad.
According to fellow students, after their visa extension requests were rejected, the two young women were transferred to a migrant detention center and are now at risk of deportation.
This incident has heightened fears across the Afghan student community.Pakistani journalist Taher Khan expressed regret, saying: “It is unfortunate that the current tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are affecting ordinary people on both sides, which should not be the case.”These concerns come after Pakistan announced that from July 19 (19 Saratan) of this year, all Afghan citizens residing in the country without a valid visa will be arrested and deported.
The strict policy has created widespread anxiety among Afghan students, workers, and families.Most Afghan students in Pakistan are enrolled in fields such as medicine, engineering, humanities, and Islamic studies.
Many came on scholarships or through personal funding. The sudden halt in visa extensions not only jeopardizes their academic futures but also risks wasting years of financial investment and academic progress.
Student activists and some Pakistani education officials have criticized the approach, arguing that students should not become victims of political tensions.
However, there has been no visible easing of the visa renewal process or policy reversal so far.Afghan students in Islamabad and other major Pakistani cities are calling for urgent processing of their visa extensions and protection from deportation.
They emphasize that the right to study in a safe environment is fundamental and should not be undermined by political disputes.
The ongoing uncertainty has disrupted academic life, with many students unable to attend classes or sit for exams due to fear of detention.
Human rights groups have urged both governments to find a humanitarian solution that allows legitimate students to complete their education without interruption.
