Introduction The humanitarian crisis surrounding Afghan refugees remains a poignant issue in Pakistan. After the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, millions of Afghan citizens fled to neighboring countries, with Pakistan being one of the largest hosts of Afghan refugees. However, a new challenge looms on the horizon for these refugees, particularly with the deadline now set for their resettlement or repatriation, further complicated by former President Donald Trump’s blockage of a U.S. resettlement pathway for Afghan refugees. As a result, Pakistan faces an urgent need to navigate complex geopolitical and humanitarian challenges while preparing for a potential wave of refugee returns. Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: A Long-standing Issue Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over four decades, beginning with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Since then, the country has provided shelter to millions of Afghan refugees, often with limited international suppor...