Foreign Office outlines legal review process and humanitarian measures for Afghan citizens
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has clarified that Afghan citizens holding valid visas and travel documents have not been expelled from the country, reaffirming that all actions concerning foreign nationals are being carried out under the law.
Speaking during the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the government was implementing the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in accordance with established legal procedures.
According to Andrabi, the cases of approximately 89,000 Afghan nationals are currently under review as part of the ongoing process. He said the government is examining each case individually while ensuring compliance with the applicable legal framework.
The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to following due process in matters related to the status of Afghan nationals residing in the country.
Humanitarian relief continues for vulnerable groups
Andrabi said Pakistan has also extended the stay of nearly 16,000 Afghan nationals on humanitarian grounds.
He explained that the extension primarily covers vulnerable individuals, including women, children and elderly citizens, allowing them additional time to remain in the country while their circumstances are considered.
The spokesperson said the humanitarian measure reflects the government’s effort to address the needs of those requiring special consideration while continuing to implement immigration laws.
Foreign Office urges caution over unverified reports
Responding to questions about reports of an incident near the Chitral border, Andrabi said the Foreign Office had not received confirmed information regarding the matter.
He noted that reports originating from Afghanistan require verification on the ground before the government can issue an official response.
The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan would refrain from commenting on unverified claims and would only provide information after confirmation from reliable and credible sources.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to a fact-based approach in addressing cross-border developments and other sensitive issues involving neighbouring countries.
Pakistan continues to implement its immigration policies through legal procedures while balancing enforcement measures with humanitarian considerations for vulnerable Afghan nationals, the spokesperson said.
