Pakistan has set March 31 as the final deadline for the deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees, intensifying concerns over the fate of thousands of displaced individuals. The government has reiterated its firm stance on expelling illegal migrants, emphasizing the need to regulate border controls and address security concerns.

Since October last year, Pakistan has launched a nationwide crackdown on undocumented foreigners, leading to the forced deportation of over 500,000 Afghans. Officials cite security risks, economic pressures, and strained diplomatic relations as key reasons for the mass expulsions. While some Afghan refugees have voluntarily returned, thousands still face uncertainty, detention, and forced relocation as the deadline approaches.

The UNHCR and international human rights organizations have urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision, warning of humanitarian consequences, especially for vulnerable women, children, and the elderly. Many Afghan refugees fear persecution, economic instability, and violence upon returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, making deportation a life-threatening ordeal for many.

Despite calls for leniency, the Pakistani government maintains that only those with valid documents will be allowed to stay beyond the March 31 deadline. In response, Afghanistan’s interim government has asked for more time, but no formal agreement has been reached yet. As deportation efforts continue, Afghan families remain in a state of distress, uncertain about their future.

With only weeks remaining before the deadline, thousands of Afghan refugees are bracing for an uncertain journey back to their homeland, while rights activists continue to push for a more humane resolution to the crisis.

Pakistan’s Senate has approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), sparking nationwide protests from journalists, activists, and opposition parties. The revised law, which expands the government’s power to regulate online content, has raised concerns over press freedom, digital rights, and the suppression of dissent.

The amendments reportedly increase penalties for online defamation, grant authorities greater surveillance capabilities, and impose stricter content regulations on digital platforms. Critics argue that the changes violate constitutional freedoms and restrict independent journalism, as they broaden the definition of “fake news” and criminalize criticism of state institutions.

Media organizations and civil society groups have condemned the move, calling it an attempt to silence dissent ahead of upcoming elections. Press associations, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have announced countrywide demonstrations, warning that these amendments could be misused to target journalists, bloggers, and opposition voices.

Legal experts have also voiced concerns over the vague wording of the amendments, which they say could lead to arbitrary arrests and excessive censorship. International watchdogs, including Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, have called on the Pakistani government to reconsider the amendments, citing their potential impact on human rights and democracy.

Despite the backlash, government officials have defended the amendments, arguing that they are necessary to curb misinformation, cyber harassment, and online hate speech. They insist that the law will protect citizens from digital crimes while maintaining national security.

With tensions rising, opposition leaders have vowed to challenge the amendments in court and mobilize public resistance against what they call an authoritarian crackdown on free expression. As the protests continue to grow, Pakistan faces increasing pressure both domestically and internationally to uphold digital freedoms and reconsider its cyber laws.

The long-awaited Gwadar International Airport has officially begun operations under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s aviation and infrastructure development. The newly launched airport, funded and developed with Chinese assistance, is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and connectivity in the strategically vital Gwadar region.

Built to accommodate both domestic and international flights, the airport features modern infrastructure, extended runways for larger aircraft, and state-of-the-art air traffic control systems. This development aligns with Pakistan and China’s broader vision to transform Gwadar into a major global trade hub, facilitating smoother cargo transport and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

The Gwadar airport is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is set to play a pivotal role in supporting logistics for Gwadar Port, which is envisioned as a regional economic hub. With its strategic location near the Arabian Sea, the airport will enable faster import and export of goods, reducing reliance on other ports and significantly enhancing Pakistan’s trade efficiency.

Government officials and CPEC authorities have hailed the project as a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy, with expectations that it will increase investment opportunities and generate employment in Gwadar. Additionally, the airport is expected to facilitate Chinese and international investors, further accelerating Gwadar’s integration into global trade networks.

As operations begin, aviation experts believe that the Gwadar International Airport will enhance regional connectivity, positioning Pakistan as a critical gateway for trade between China, the Middle East, and beyond. Authorities have ensured that security measures are in place to safeguard passengers, cargo, and critical infrastructure, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to CPEC’s long-term success.