ISLAMABAD: The repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals from Pakistan continued on Tuesday, with 3,669 individuals sent back to Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing, according to official immigration documents.
Since the latest phase of the repatriation drive began on April 1, a total of 11,371 Afghans have been returned this month alone. The process includes legal verification and documentation before individuals are transported to the border.
On Tuesday, 2,242 undocumented Afghan residents voluntarily presented themselves at the Landi Kotal transit camp in Khyber district. After completing the necessary procedures, they were repatriated through the Torkham crossing. Additionally, 1,427 Afghan nationals who were arrested in various cities across the country were directly sent to the border for deportation.
Authorities noted that since September 17, 2023, when the nationwide repatriation campaign was launched, a total of 469,159 Afghan nationals from 70,494 families have returned to Afghanistan via the Torkham border.
The government’s crackdown on illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans, continues across Pakistan. Law enforcement and district administration teams have intensified operations targeting individuals lacking valid documentation—such as those without visas, with expired documents, or holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC).
However, Afghan nationals with valid Proof of Registration (PoR) cards or official residency documents are currently exempt from deportation—unless they or their family members are found involved in criminal activities, in which case the entire family may face deportation, officials warned.
Repatriated individuals undergo a verification process at the Landi Kotal transit camp, from where they are transported to the Torkham crossing for return to Afghanistan. The government has reiterated that the repatriation campaign will continue in phases, ensuring due process for all undocumented foreign nationals.
