Islamabad, February 14, 2025 – Thousands of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, particularly those awaiting resettlement in the United States, are struggling with severe educational disruptions due to recent policy changes. Many refugee students and teachers are facing uncertainty regarding their future, as shifting regulations and legal complexities have left them in a precarious situation.
For years, Pakistan has hosted a large population of Afghan refugees, including families who fled conflict, instability, and economic hardship in their homeland. However, with the Pakistani government tightening its immigration policies and increasing deportation efforts, Afghan refugees—especially students—are experiencing major hurdles in continuing their education.
Key Educational Challenges Faced by Afghan Refugees:
✅ School Closures & Expulsions
- Many schools in refugee-populated areas have been forced to shut down due to a lack of funding and legal restrictions.
- Afghan students in Pakistani schools are facing expulsion as institutions struggle with government-imposed limitations on admitting undocumented refugees.
✅ Uncertainty Over US Resettlement Program
- Thousands of Afghan refugees, particularly those who worked with US forces or international organizations, had applied for resettlement in the United States under special immigration programs.
- However, delays in processing applications and shifting policies have left many families in limbo, forcing them to put their children’s education on hold.
✅ Limited Access to Higher Education
- Afghan students aspiring for university admissions in Pakistan face difficulties due to legal documentation issues, high fees for foreign students, and uncertainty about their stay in the country.
- Many institutions now require refugee students to provide residency permits, which some do not have, further restricting their access to education.
✅ Impact on Refugee Teachers
- Afghan teachers working in refugee schools or private institutions are also facing job insecurity.
- Many are unable to renew their employment contracts due to visa issues, leaving refugee schools understaffed.
Voices from the Refugee Community
Refugee families have expressed deep concern about their children’s interrupted education and uncertain future. One Afghan parent living in Islamabad stated, “My son was doing well in school, but now we don’t know if he can continue. If we are forced to leave, where will he study? Our future is unknown.”
Similarly, an Afghan refugee teacher in Peshawar shared his distress, saying, “We have been teaching refugee students for years, but now schools are shutting down. Without education, these children will have no future.”
Government & International Response
The Pakistani government has been working with international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to address these concerns. While some temporary relief measures have been introduced—such as allowing refugee children to continue schooling in specific UN-backed educational institutions—long-term solutions remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the United States and other resettlement countries have been urged to expedite the processing of Afghan refugee applications, ensuring that families waiting for relocation do not suffer due to bureaucratic delays.
Looking Ahead
With growing pressure on refugee communities, human rights organizations and educational activists are calling for:
- Immediate policy reforms to allow Afghan students to continue their education without legal barriers.
- Special scholarship programs to support Afghan youth in higher education.
- Speeding up resettlement processes for Afghan families awaiting approval in the US and other countries.
Until concrete solutions are implemented, thousands of Afghan children in Pakistan remain at risk of losing their education, further exacerbating the challenges faced by a community already grappling with displacement and uncertainty.
