Islamabad: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced on Friday that April 30 will be the final deadline for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave Pakistan, reaffirming the government’s firm stance on immigration enforcement—particularly concerning Afghan nationals without valid legal status.
“Pakistan has shown unmatched hospitality for over four decades, but now we must enforce our immigration laws without exception,” Chaudhry stated during a press conference in Islamabad.
The announcement comes just ahead of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Kabul, where he is scheduled to lead a high-level delegation for bilateral talks.
Repatriation Drive Intensifies
Chaudhry confirmed that 84,869 Afghan nationals have been repatriated since April 1 under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, which was launched in late 2023. The plan targets individuals residing in Pakistan without valid visas or documentation.
Previously, undocumented Afghans—especially those holding Afghan Citizen Cards—had been instructed to return voluntarily by March 31. The deadline was later extended to April 30 as part of a phased and humane repatriation strategy.
“Only foreign nationals with valid documentation will be permitted to reside, work, or conduct business in Pakistan,” the minister stressed. “This policy is about upholding the law, not targeting any group.”
Accountability for Locals Enabling Illegal Stay
A key element of the enforcement policy targets Pakistani citizens and businesses that rent property to or employ undocumented foreigners. Chaudhry warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators.
“Anyone providing accommodation, employment, or services to undocumented foreigners will be held accountable,” he stated. “Clear instructions have been issued to all provinces.”
Only legally documented individuals are permitted to rent property, open businesses, or engage in financial transactions, he clarified.
Diplomatic Coordination with Kabul
Despite the firm policy, Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan is pursuing a balanced approach, including coordination with the Taliban-led Afghan government.
The Taliban administration has repeatedly urged host countries to ensure the dignified return of Afghan citizens. However, tensions remain over Islamabad’s concerns regarding the presence of militant groups operating from Afghan territory—an allegation the Taliban denies.
Security Concerns Over Weapons Trafficking
The interior minister also warned of growing security risks, citing intelligence reports indicating that some of the U.S. military weapons left behind in Afghanistan have fallen into the hands of terrorist groups.
“These developments validate our security concerns. The presence of such weapons in the wrong hands is not just a threat to Pakistan, but to the entire region,” Chaudhry cautioned.
Policy Driven by Law, Not Hostility
Chaudhry concluded by underscoring that Pakistan’s policy is rooted in legality and national interest, not hostility. “We welcomed our Afghan brothers for 40 years with open hearts. But like every sovereign state, Pakistan must regulate who stays within its borders.”
