Karzai Voices Concern Over Treatment of Afghan Students in Pakistan

DID Press: Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has expressed concern over reports that Afghan students in Pakistan are facing harassment and difficulties extending their visas, urging Pakistani authorities to treat their cases separately from broader migration issues.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Karzai described reports of harassment against Afghan students and Pakistan’s reported refusal to renew their visas as “regrettable” and a source of deep concern.

He called on the relevant Pakistani authorities to distinguish the residency status of Afghan students—who, he said, had traveled to Pakistan solely to pursue higher education—from other immigration matters.

Karzai also urged officials to deal with Afghan students in accordance with internationally accepted academic principles and norms, emphasizing the importance of ensuring they can continue their education without unnecessary disruption.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over the status of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, where authorities have intensified immigration enforcement while thousands of Afghan students continue to rely on visa renewals to remain enrolled at Pakistani educational institutions.