ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday asked all illegal foreigners and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country before March 31, warning they would otherwise be deported from April 1.
The directives were issued by the Ministry of Interior, stating that Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP) is being implemented since 1 November 2023.
“In continuation to the government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders,” the ministry said in a statement received here.
It advised all illegal foreigners and ACC holders to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025, warning that (forced) deportation will commence with effect from April 1.
The ministry noted that “sufficient time has already been granted for their dignified return.”
The ministry emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place.
“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state. It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan’s constitution,” the statement read.
Earlier on February 25, the Interior Ministry had taken the decision during a high level meeting to expel all Afghan nationals including those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
The meeting was chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and attended by chief secretaries of all the four provinces, and heads of law enforcing agencies.
The ministry had clarified that even registered Afghans with valid PoR cards must leave Pakistan. However, they can return after obtaining visas through the proper legal channels. To facilitate their return 49 repatriation points had been established.
Moreover, it was decided that police will first issue warnings to Afghan Citizen Card holders before enforcing repatriation. Those who comply voluntarily will be allowed to take their belongings with them. However, after April, any Afghan national—even with a valid PoR card—who remains in Pakistan will face deportation through legal proceedings.
Millions of Afghans have travelled to Pakistan over the past four decades, fleeing successive conflicts including the Soviet invasion, a civil war and the post-9/11 US-led occupation.
Some 600,000 Afghans have fled to Pakistan since the Taliban government took over again in August 2021 and implemented their austere version of Islamic law.
According to UNHCR, Pakistan currently hosts some 1.5 million Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers, alongside more than 1.5 million Afghans of different legal statuses.
A campaign to deport undocumented Afghans was launched as political ties between the neighbouring governments frayed and Pakistan’s economic and security woes worsened.