Pakistan Sets Deadline for Afghan Nationals’ Return

ISLAMABAD: Talal Chaudhry, the State Minister for Interior Affairs, has officially stated that Pakistan has fixed June 30 as the final date for registered Afghan citizens, including those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, to voluntarily go back to Afghanistan.

Following this timeline, formal deportation processes will be initiated. He mentioned that Afghan refugees have been and continue to be regarded as guests, and their repatriation is being conducted with complete dignity and respect.

He further explained that this action aligns with Pakistan’s One Document Policy. Since the policy’s implementation, 857,157 undocumented individuals, predominantly Afghans, have been sent back. Moving forward, anyone intending to come to Pakistan will need to secure visas, in accordance with international regulations.

The second phase of repatriation, which included Afghan Citizen Card holders, concluded on March 31. The present emphasis is on PoR holders, who have time until the end of June.

Qaisar Khan Afridi, the UNHCR spokesperson, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all returns are voluntary and not forced.

He stated that among the refugees are former Afghan government employees, civil society members, artists, and qualified professionals, so compelling them to return would expose them to significant dangers.

Afridi also noted that the UNHCR has received reports of detentions in specific areas of Punjab, affecting even some documented Afghan refugees.

Chaudhry firmly refuted these claims, asserting that no such instances have been officially documented and that previous allegations were proven false after investigation.

He explained that Afghan refugees who do not depart by the specified deadlines are not immediately deported. Instead, they receive notifications and are then transported to refugee holding centers, where they are provided with food, shelter, security, medical assistance, and transportation.

Chaudhry stressed that this is a well-organized, humane procedure, underscoring Pakistan’s ongoing hospitality towards Afghan citizens.

He also cautioned against external influences and fraudulent activities, noting the seizure of fraudulent Pakistani passports in Gulf, Saudi, and European countries, which has prompted Pakistan to reinforce its internal controls.

He concluded by saying that similar to how Pakistanis adhere to immigration rules in other countries, Afghan citizens are also required to follow Pakistani laws, emphasizing that complete disregard for the law is unacceptable in the current global landscape.