Deadline for Afghan refugees expires, face deportations

ISLAMABAD: The deadline for Afghan refugees staying in Pakistan expired on March 31 and the process of the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and illegal refugees begin from April 1st.

Food and healthcare arrangements have been made for Afghans returning to home. The authorities warned of strict punitive action against those staying in the country after the deadline.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior had asked Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, staying in Pakistan, to leave the country by March 31.

The Afghan nationals will be deported from April 1st (today), the ministry said in an earlier statement.

“Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders,” the interior ministry said in an earlier official handout.

“All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence from April 1, 2025,” the statement added.

The interior ministry said that sufficient time had already been granted for their dignified return. “It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place.”

“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state. It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan’s constitution,” it said.

Over 8,86,242 Afghans living in Pakistan illegally were repatriated to their country by April 1st since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023. It is estimated that around 3 million Afghans still reside in Pakistan.