Pakistan Warns Afghan Citizens to Leave; Deportation Strict

Peshawar, June 11 (PTI): Pakistan issued a new warning on Wednesday to Afghan citizens and other illegal foreigners, urging them to leave the country voluntarily. The Interior Ministry emphasized that those impeding the repatriation process would face strict consequences.

The ministry assured that dignified treatment would be provided to individuals returning to their home countries. It highlighted arrangements have been made to cater to the food and healthcare needs of returning women, children, and the elderly.

Earlier this year, the Interior Ministry mandated that all illegal foreigners and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders exit Pakistan before March 31. After this deadline, deportations began on April 1.

The ACC, introduced in 2017, grants temporary legal status to Afghan refugees. Since then, authorities have deported thousands of Afghan nationals from various regions of Pakistan. As of April 1, 2025, the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP) has facilitated the repatriation of 1,102,441 illegal foreigners, according to the ministry's statement.

The ministry cautions against employing, accommodating, or conducting business with illegal foreigners, warning that violators will face legal action.

For decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees fleeing decades of conflict in Afghanistan. Since November 2023, approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees have been repatriated as part of the ongoing deportation efforts.

Among the roughly 3 million Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan, 813,000 hold ACC cards, while 1.3 million possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, according to officials.

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