Afghan Citizens Being Repatriated Respectfully, Says Interior Minister

  • Talal Chaudhry confirms full implementation of the one-document regime.
  • Decision reflects current realities, according to Chaudhry.
  • Over 857,000 illegal foreigners have been sent back to their countries.

Amidst the ongoing nationwide campaign targeting undocumented foreigners and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, the Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, stated on Thursday that the repatriation of Afghan citizens is being conducted with dignity.

During a press conference held in Islamabad, Chaudhry detailed the establishment of transit points in all provinces to assist Afghan citizens. He also mentioned the creation of a helpline specifically for the neighboring country’s citizens.

Chaudhry emphasized that the repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals, including ACC holders, will proceed without any extension to the deadline, which expired last month.

He reported that, to date, 857,157 undocumented foreign nationals and ACC holders have been repatriated to their respective countries.

The government had previously set a deadline of March 31 for these individuals to leave the country.

Chaudhry reiterated that this deadline has passed and will not be extended.

“The one-document regime will be strictly enforced, requiring valid visas and passports for entry into Pakistan,” he added.

He clarified that Afghan citizens who are being repatriated are welcome to visit, work, and reside in Pakistan under the one-document regime policy, provided they possess the necessary valid visas and passports.

Chaudhry reminded the public that the policy regarding the repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals has been in effect since October 30, 2023.

He explained that the repatriation process is being carried out in phases. The initial phase involved sending undocumented foreign nationals without legal documents back to their countries. The second phase focuses on the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card holders, while the third phase will involve the deportation of Afghan citizens holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards.

Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan’s decision comes after decades of hosting millions of Afghan refugees. He attributed the decision to the current circumstances, noting the involvement of Afghan citizens in narcotics trafficking and terrorism-related activities within Pakistan.

He further added that the revenue generated from narcotics is being used to finance criminal and terrorist operations.

Addressing the internal measures taken to ensure the dignity of ACC holders, Chaudhry affirmed that all provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are fully supportive of this initiative.

He stated that 38 transit points have been set up in Punjab, three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two in Sindh, three in Azad Kashmir, and one each in Balochistan, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Chaudhry further explained that ACC holders are accommodated at these facilities before continuing their journey to Afghanistan. He assured that ACC holders are being provided with shelter, food, medical care, and transportation, while their honor and dignity are being maintained throughout the repatriation process.

Providing figures for registered Afghan nationals, Chaudhry stated that 815,247 Afghans are registered as Citizen Card holders, while 1,469,522 are registered under the Proof of Registration program.

— With additional input from Radio Pakistan.