Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
Quetta, November 6, 2025 — The Balochistan High Court has issued a significant order restraining the government from taking any action against Afghan refugee students studying in schools, colleges, and universities across the province until the completion of their examinations.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech and Justice Sardar Ahmed Haleemi heard the constitutional petition filed by Advocate Syed Nazir Agha on Wednesday. The case pertains to the deportation and repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, a move that has sparked widespread concern over human rights and educational rights.
During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Muhammad Fareed Dogar, Malik Naseem Anwar Kasi (for the federal government), and Assistant Advocate General Zahoor Ahmed Baloch (for the provincial government) appeared before the court.
Advocate Nazir Agha argued that thousands of Afghan refugee children and youth are currently enrolled in educational institutions in Balochistan, and that forcing them to leave the country before their exams would disrupt their education. He added that some Afghan students studying under foreign reserved seats were also being harassed, urging the court to issue protection orders.
Responding to the plea, the Balochistan High Court directed the authorities to refrain from harassing Afghan students and to allow them to complete their academic year peacefully. The bench emphasized that Article 25-A of the Constitution guarantees the right to education to all individuals, noting that education is a fundamental human and constitutional right.
The petitioner also highlighted reports of Afghan refugees facing mistreatment and humiliation, requesting the court to direct the police and local administration to ensure dignified treatment of all refugees.
The court adjourned the hearing, asking the respondents to submit detailed reports in the next session.
In his petition, Advocate Agha further stated that many Afghan families own property in Balochistan and that their forced deportation would lead to loss of assets and disruption of families, particularly those where Afghan nationals are married to Pakistani citizens. He maintained that under the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951, such individuals are entitled to Pakistani citizenship.
The petition argues that the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees violates several constitutional provisions, including Articles 2A, 9, 25, and 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973).
Respondents in the case include the Chief Secretary of Balochistan, Federal Interior Secretary, Secretary of SAFRON (Ministry of States and Frontier Regions), Commissioner Quetta Division, Inspector General of Police Balochistan, and the Director General Levies Force Balochistan.
