Islamabad:
Pakistan refused a request from the Afghan Taliban to grant an extension in the stay of Afghan refugees. Kabul was transported in clear terms that Islamabad will stick to his expulsion plan for all holders of illegal and Afghan (ACCs) from April 1.
In a major political decision, Pakistan announced on March 7 that ACC holders had until March 31 to leave the country or face the expulsion. There are around 800,000 ACC holders in Pakistan, but after March 31, they will be treated as illegal foreigners.
Reports made tricks that Pakistan planned to expel all Afghans in the country, but it was for the first time that the Interior Ministry officially confirmed development.
“The program of repatriation of illegal foreigners (IFRP) has been implemented since November 1, 2023. In the continuation of the government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, the national management has now decided to also repatriate the holders of the ACC,” read the official document of the ministry issued on March 7.
“It is advisable to all foreigners and holders of the illegal ACA to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; subsequently, the deportation will begin Wef [with effect from] April 1, 2025, “added the press release.
Pakistan said enough time had already been granted for a return worthy of Afghan migrants. After the publication of this deadline, the Taliban government approached Pakistan through diplomatic channels with a request not to expel their nationals and give them more time.
Official sources told The Express PK Press Club on Sunday that the Pakistani decision was final and that there would be no relaxation. Sources have said that the relevant authorities and the four provinces have received instructions to make appropriate arrangements for the return of Afghan refugees.
More than 8,000,000 Afghans living in illegally Pakistan have been repatriated to their country since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023. Pakistan, however, spared those who were registered in the UNHCR or had the ACC.
There are about 3 million Afghans still residing in Pakistan. The Afghan government recently raised concerns about the forced expulsion of their nationals and allegedly allegedly inflicted on them.
Pakistan, however, denied these accusations and asked the Government of the Afghan Taliban to create an environment in the country to encourage the return worthy of their compatriots.
This decision will worsen the links already tense between the two countries.
Pakistan blamed Afghanistan for the thrust of terrorist attacks against its soil. Pakistan said that Afghan nationals were increasingly involved in recent terrorist attacks.
Initial surveys have shown that Afghan nationals were also behind the recent terrorist attack targeting the canton of Bannu. In addition, there have been exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan at the border crossing of Torkham which has been closed since February 21.
Islamabad blamed the Afghan team for the closure of the key border crossing. The dispute occurred on a new check after the Afghan side was built on Pakistani territory. Sources have said that the expulsion of the Afghans would also take place through the border of Torkham.
