1PESHAWAR — Pakistan will begin Afghan citizens deportation on April 1, 2025, after the March 31 deadline for voluntary departure. The Ministry of Interior has ordered Afghan citizen cardholders and visa overstayers to leave the country.
Officials assured that authorities will not mistreat anyone and will provide food and healthcare to those returning.The government launched its voluntary repatriation plan in November 2023, urging undocumented foreign nationals to leave peacefully. While many complied, thousands of Afghan citizens still remain in Pakistan without legal status. Authorities have now intensified efforts to enforce Afghan citizens deportation, stressing that all foreign nationals must follow Pakistan’s immigration laws.
Tracking Afghan citizens for Afghan citizens deportation has become a challenge due to outdated address records. Deputy commissioners and district police officers are leading efforts to locate and process these individuals. Many cardholders provided incorrect addresses during registration, making it difficult to track them down. Officials have instructed provincial authorities to use digital tracking tools and coordinate efforts to ensure a smooth process.
In Peshawar, the Ministry’s Additional Secretary chaired a meeting on February 4 to assess progress on identifying Afghan citizen cardholders and visa overstayers. Officials confirmed that the deportation process has started and directed provincial governments to complete all necessary preparations.
Pakistan has already deported 45,000 Afghan citizens, but many remain undocumented. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities have mapped 64,676 out of 359,881 cardholders. Balochistan has located 207,042 out of 266,671 individuals. Punjab and Sindh also reported difficulties due to inconsistencies in registered data.
Pakistan remains firm on its decision. The government insists that Afghan citizens deportation will follow a structured process, ensuring dignity and respect for those affected. Officials maintain that anyone wishing to stay in Pakistan must meet legal requirements and obtain proper documentation.
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