Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has set March 31 as the final deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave voluntarily. After this date, authorities will begin mass deportations, raising concerns among international organizations about potential forced repatriations.
Government’s stance on Afghan nationals
The Interior Ministry stated that the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP), launched on November 1, 2023, gave undocumented individuals enough time to leave voluntarily. Officials stressed that Pakistan has been a generous host and continues to meet its commitments as a responsible state. The government expects all foreign residents to follow legal procedures and respect the constitution. It also assured that repatriation efforts will include food and healthcare support, with no mistreatment.
Impact on Afghan citizens
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan migrants for decades, including those who fled after the Taliban regained power in 2021. Officials estimate that over 800,000 documented migrants hold Afghan Citizen Cards, while many others remain undocumented.
The directive also affects Proof of Registration (POR) cardholders, who had permission to stay until June 30, 2025. Authorities plan to relocate them from Islamabad and Rawalpindi to other areas within Pakistan. The Foreign Ministry will coordinate with foreign embassies to speed up the resettlement process for those awaiting relocation to third countries. If no immediate arrangements are made, these individuals may also face repatriation.
International concerns
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have urged Pakistan to ensure humane relocation efforts. They stress the need to protect individuals at risk, including ethnic and religious minorities, women, journalists, and human rights activists.
The Afghan embassy in Islamabad reported increasing arrests and harassment of Afghan refugees under Pakistan’s mass expulsion drive. Officials estimate that nearly four million Afghans could be repatriated. The embassy highlighted police actions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including arrests and eviction orders.
Conclusion
As the March 31 deadline nears, Afghan Citizen Card holders in Pakistan face growing uncertainty. The government remains firm on deportations, while international organizations warn of potential human rights violations. The coming weeks will determine the fate of thousands of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.
