ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will begin the next phase of repatriating Afghan nationals holding Afghan Citizen Cards, with plans to send them back to Afghanistan.
According to official records, approximately 800,000 Afghan refugees are residing in Pakistan with Afghan Citizen Cards. Preparations are underway to relocate Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including those staying legally in the twin cities.
The Interior Ministry has started implementing decisions made during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. Official documents indicate that the deadline for the removal of Afghan nationals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi is set for March 31.
Afghan Citizen Card holders will be relocated to other cities in Pakistan by March 31, after which they will be sent back to Afghanistan.
Additionally, Afghan nationals who are awaiting visas from other countries will have their stay extended until June 30. However, those still waiting for visas will not be allowed to remain in Islamabad.
The Interior Ministry has instructed relevant agencies to submit implementation reports to the Prime Minister’s Office every 15 days.
According to the documents, Afghan citizens whose visas are not issued by other countries will be considered to be staying illegally in Pakistan.
