ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Afghan refugees living illegally in Pakistan has expired on March 31, prompting authorities to initiate large-scale repatriation against Afghanis.
Islamabad police have launched operations across multiple districts, detaining numerous Afghan nationals who are being shifted to designated deportation camps.
On April 1, law enforcement carried out operations in areas such as Tarnol, Bara Kahu, Ghauri Town, and Rawalpindi’s military colonies, apprehending dozens of Afghan refugees.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior had instructed Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to voluntarily leave the country by March 31, warning that deportations would begin on April 1.
To streamline the repatriation process, temporary camps have been set up in Peshawar and Landi Kotal for ACC holders, while reception and registration centers have been established near Torkham. Afghan nationals with citizen cards will undergo biometric verification before being sent back.
Reports indicate that approximately 800,000 Afghan citizens possess these cards, while nearly 700,000 unregistered Afghans have already been repatriated. So far, a total of 885,902 illegal Afghan nationals have left Pakistan, with deportation efforts continuing.
With the deadline now passed, Pakistani authorities have reiterated that strict legal actions will be taken against those who remain in the country unlawfully.
Pakistan began deporting illegally residing foreigners in October 2023, a move that has since resulted in the return of millions of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan.
