Pakistan Sets Deadline for Afghan Nationals’ Return

ISLAMABAD: Talal Chaudhry, the State Minister for Interior Affairs, has officially announced that Pakistan has established a deadline of June 30 for registered Afghan citizens, which includes Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, to willingly go back to Afghanistan.

Following this date, formal procedures for deportation will commence. He stated that Afghan refugees have been, and continue to be, treated as guests and are being repatriated with full dignity and respect.

He specified that this action aligns with Pakistan’s One Document Policy, which has facilitated the return of 857,157 undocumented individuals, predominantly Afghans, since its implementation. As per global standards, those intending to return to Pakistan in the future must secure visas.

The second phase of the repatriation initiative, which encompassed Afghan Citizen Card holders, concluded on March 31. The ongoing emphasis is now directed toward PoR holders, who are required to depart by the end of June.

Qaisar Khan Afridi, the UNHCR spokesperson, emphasized that deportations should be conducted on a voluntary basis, rather than through coercion.

“Among the refugees are former officials from the Afghan government, activists involved in civil society, musicians, and skilled professionals. Compelling their return would expose them to significant dangers,” he noted.

Afridi also brought attention to reports received by the UNHCR regarding arrests occurring in certain areas of Punjab, even involving some Afghan refugees with proper documentation.

However, Chaudhry firmly refuted such incidents, asserting that no such cases have been officially documented, and past allegations were proven to be false upon investigation.

He clarified that Afghan refugees who do not depart within the specified timeframes are not immediately deported. Instead, they receive a notification before being transferred to refugee holding centers, where they are given provisions such as food, shelter, security, medical care, and assistance with travel.

“This is a well-organized and compassionate approach. There is no disorder. We have consistently extended our hospitality to Afghan citizens,” Chaudhry affirmed.

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

“Just as Pakistani individuals are required to adhere to immigration regulations in foreign countries, Afghan citizens are also obligated to comply with our laws while in Pakistan. In the contemporary world, total disregard for the law is unacceptable anywhere,” he concluded.