Islamabad: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has announced that the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan Citizen Card holders, will proceed without any extension to the deadline that expired last month. He clarified that Afghan Citizen Card holders were required to voluntarily leave Pakistan and return to Afghanistan by March 31, 2025. The deadline has now passed, and no further extensions will be granted.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister Chaudhry reiterated at a news conference that the one-document regime will be enforced, mandating valid visas and passports for entry into Pakistan. Afghan citizens being repatriated can still visit, work, and reside in Pakistan under this policy, as long as they possess the necessary legal documents.
Chaudhry emphasized that the policy of repatriating illegal foreign nationals has been operational since October 30, 2023. The process is being executed in phases: initially, foreign nationals without legal documentation were sent back, followed by the current phase involving the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card holders. The final phase will address Afghan citizens holding Proof of Registration cards.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding support of Afghan nationals, having hosted millions for decades. He stated that the decision to repatriate was influenced by current realities, noting concerns over involvement in narcotics trade and terrorism-related activities, with revenue from these activities funding criminal operations.
Chaudhry explained that all provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are cooperating with the initiative, with transit points established in various locations to facilitate the repatriation process. Afghan Citizen Card holders are provided shelter, food, medical care, and transport facilities while ensuring their dignity is maintained during their return to Afghanistan.
Addressing the numbers, he informed that 815,247 Afghans are registered as Citizen Card holders, while 1,469,522 are registered under the Proof of Registration program.