The government announced on Friday that it would repatriate the holders of cards from Afghan citizens (ACC) as part of its current illegal repatriation program (IFRP), which began on November 1, 2023.
In a statement, the authorities advised all illegal foreign nationals, including ACC holders, to leave Pakistan voluntarily by March 31. Expulsion procedures start from April 1 for those who do not comply.
The government has said that the repatriation process will be carried out in a human way, ensuring the return worthy of all affected people.
“Sufficient time has been granted for a voluntary return,” said the press release, adding, “provisions for food and health care were also taken for the return of foreign nationals”.
Pakistan has long been the host of Afghan refugees and continues to respect its international responsibilities. However, officials reiterated that those who wanted to stay in the country should meet the legal requirements and respect the Constitution of Pakistan.
As part of IFRP, all undocumented foreigners, including Afghans, are repatriated. The Afghan nationals sponsored by European countries or other foreign countries will not be expelled for the moment, but if their resettlement plans are not finalized soon, they could also be expelled, according to sources from the Ministry of the Interior.
As part of the program, 781 Afghan nationals have already been repatriated from Islamabad via the Torkham border.
