ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government on Friday announced that all Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country, including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, must depart voluntarily by March 31 or face deportation starting April 1. The ACC scheme, initiated in 2017, provided temporary legal status to undocumented Afghans in Pakistan. It differs from the Proof of Registration (PoR) system, which grants refugee status to Afghan nationals recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Pakistan government. Unlike PoR card holders, who are protected under international refugee frameworks, ACC holders were never formally recognized as refugees and were only granted temporary permission to stay. The recent directive will primarily impact them along with other undocumented Afghan nationals, many of whom fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since 1 November 2023,” the government’s statement, available on the Press Information Department’s website, said. “In continuation to Government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders.” “All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025,” it added. “Thereafter, deportation will commence [with effect from] 1 April 2025.” The statement maintained Pakistan had granted sufficient time to these people to ensure their dignified return. It also added that the authorities would adopt a humane approach while carrying out the repatriation process. “It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and health care for returning foreigners have also been put in place,” the statement noted. It pointed out that all those individuals who were staying in Pakistan would need to fulfil legal requirement and abide by the country’s constitution. The Pakistan government launched the deportation drive against “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, in November 2023 after a string of suicide bombings in the country. Officials in Islamabad cited security concerns for the decision, alleging that Afghan nationals had been involved in militant activities, including attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces, a claim denied by Taliban authorities in Kabul. Last year, the government also announced that Afghan citizens residing in Islamabad would require No Objection Certificates (NOCs) after alleging that many of them had participated in an anti-government protest led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which later turned violent. The government’s directive will affect numerous Afghans in Pakistan awaiting resettlement to third countries, including the United States. Many of them had assisted international forces and now fear retribution from the Taliban. However, recent policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration have all but suspended US refugee admissions, leaving thousands in limbo. Last month, the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which operates under the UN system, voiced concern over Pakistan’s directive requiring Afghan nationals to relocate from Islamabad and Rawalpindi or face deportation, urging the government to consider human rights standards in implementing the policy.
More like this
Watch Latest Videos
📺 Watch Latest Videos
1st G M Syed International Conference | London, UK | 18 January 2026
This video documents the 1st G.M. Syed International Conference, held on 18 January 2026 in London, United Kingdom, to commemorate the 122nd birth anniversary of Sain G.M. Syed, the father ...of the Sindhi nation. Organised by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), the conference brought together intellectuals, scholars, political activists, and members of the Sindhi diaspora to reflect on the life, ideas, and enduring political legacy of Sain G.M. Syed.
The footage captures key moments from the event, including speeches, discussions, audience participation, and the overall atmosphere of remembrance and solidarity.
Copyright Notice:
All video content is the property of Aomar Karim. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, redistribution, or use of this video, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
----------------------------------
Welcome to @AomarKarim Dive into Balochistan's heart as we discuss education, science, technology, entertainment, society, and politics. Subscribe for insightful conversations and a holistic perspective
----------------------------|Thanks |------------------------Show More
Now Playing
1st G M Syed International Conference | London, UK | 18 January 2026
This video documents the 1st G.M. Syed International Conference, held on 18 January 2026 in ...
This video documents the 1st G.M. Syed International Conference, held on 18 January 2026 in London, United Kingdom, to commemorate the 122nd birth anniversary of Sain G.M. Syed, the father ...of the Sindhi nation. Organised by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), the conference brought together intellectuals, scholars, political activists, and members of the Sindhi diaspora to reflect on the life, ideas, and enduring political legacy of Sain G.M. Syed.
The footage captures key moments from the event, including speeches, discussions, audience participation, and the overall atmosphere of remembrance and solidarity.
Copyright Notice:
All video content is the property of Aomar Karim. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, redistribution, or use of this video, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
----------------------------------
Welcome to @AomarKarim Dive into Balochistan's heart as we discuss education, science, technology, entertainment, society, and politics. Subscribe for insightful conversations and a holistic perspective
----------------------------|Thanks |------------------------Show More
Now Playing
BNM Protest Outside Downing Street Demand Justice for Disappeared Baloch Women | London 2026
On Sunday, 4 January 2026, activists and supporters of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held ...
On Sunday, 4 January 2026, activists and supporters of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest outside 10 Downing Street, London, to highlight the alarming rise in enforced disappearances ...of Baloch women and children.
The demonstration condemned Pakistan’s alleged state-led abductions in Balochistan, which protesters described as serious violations of human rights and international law. Participants urged the British government, United Nations, and international human rights organisations to take immediate action and hold those responsible accountable.
London-based Baloch political activist and journalist Aomar Karim participated in the protest, showing solidarity with the families of missing Baloch women. He called on the international community and human rights defenders to raise their voices for Balochistan and to break the silence surrounding enforced disappearances.
By gathering at the heart of British democracy, protesters demanded international intervention to end enforced disappearances and state violence in Balochistan.
Welcome to @AomarKarim Dive into Balochistan's heart as we discuss education, science, technology, entertainment, society, and politics. Subscribe for insightful conversations and a holistic perspective
Join Aomar Karim’s Official Channel
