As the government’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to exit the country expired, Afghan nationals in various cities on Friday began preparing to leave—some by choice, others compelled by authorities.
Law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations in multiple urban centers, initiating what officials are now calling the “forced repatriation” of individuals holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC). With the grace period for voluntary return over, many Afghan-run businesses in Peshawar have remained shut since Eid.
Shops and offices owned by Afghan nationals in Peshawar’s commercial districts have closed as security operations intensify to implement the repatriation drive.
In parallel with NADRA’s countrywide campaign to reverify and renew identity credentials, several Afghan individuals have had their Pakistani national identity cards revoked.
A significant clampdown is anticipated after April 11. So far, 153 Afghan nationals have returned voluntarily to Afghanistan.
Shops run by Afghan citizens dealing in food items, carpets, crockery, and footwear have stayed shuttered post-Eid, indicating growing concerns within the community.
While the Eidul Fitr holidays offered a brief reprieve, officials have confirmed the grace period has officially ended and no extensions will be granted. Arrests are likely to begin shortly, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where sources say enforcement is imminent.
In Rawalpindi, police detained over 50 individuals with ACCs during targeted operations and moved them to temporary holding camps.
According to police sources, multiple teams are now conducting daily raids. Those identified as ACC holders will be repatriated from these camps, and their families will also be detained and transferred accordingly.
Meanwhile in Karachi, authorities have initiated the federal policy of deporting undocumented foreign nationals, particularly ACC holders. The operation targets approximately 16,138 individuals, with more than 150 already taken into custody in the city.
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza confirmed that 162 ACC holders have been placed in the designated holding center so far. Some detainees were later released after verification showed they held valid Proof of Registration (POR) cards.
DIG Raza added that 196 Afghan nationals from various parts of Karachi were transferred to the holding camp on April 3.
