Pakistan Sets Deadline for Afghan Nationals’ Return

ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudhry has stated that Pakistan has established a deadline of June 30 for registered Afghan citizens, which includes Proof of Registration (PoR) holders, to return to Afghanistan voluntarily.

“After this date, formal deportation processes will be initiated. Afghan refugees have been, and continue to be, our honored guests. They are being repatriated with its due dignity and respect,” he stated.

He also mentioned that this action aligns with Pakistan’s One Document Policy. As part of this policy, 857,157 undocumented individuals, predominantly Afghans, have been repatriated since its implementation. Those intending to return to Pakistan in the future are required to secure visas, adhering to international standards.

The second phase of repatriation, which concluded on March 31, pertained to Afghan Citizen Card holders. The existing emphasis is on PoR holders, who have until the close of June.

Meanwhile, UNHCR spokesperson Qaisar Khan Afridi emphasized that deportations should be voluntary and not enforced.

“Among these refugees are former officials from the Afghan government, civil society representatives, artists, and skilled professionals. Forcing their return could place their lives in significant danger,” he added.

Afridi also noted that the UNHCR has received reports of arrests in regions of Punjab, even involving some Afghan refugees with documentation.

However, Chaudhry firmly refuted these events, clarifying that no such instances have been formally documented, and previous claims were found to be false after investigation.

He explained that Afghan refugees who do not depart within the specified timeframes are not immediately deported. Instead, they are initially notified and then taken to refugee holding centers, where they are provided with provisions, housing, security, medical care, and assistance with travel.

“This represents a structured, humane approach. There is no disorder. Our hospitality has consistently been extended to Afghan citizens,” Chaudhry emphasized.

He also cautioned against external pressures and fraudulent activities, noting that counterfeit Pakistani passports had been confiscated in Gulf, Saudi, and European nations, which has led Pakistan to reinforce its internal monitoring.

“In the same way that Pakistanis comply with immigration regulations overseas, Afghan citizens must also adhere to our laws domestically. In today’s world, total lawlessness is unacceptable anywhere,” he concluded.