ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to intensify action against Afghan nationals residing in the country without valid visas, with arrests set to begin on July 10, the Interior Ministry said.
The ministry issued formal directives to the chief secretaries of all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and the chief commissioner of Islamabad.
The directives called for faster deportation of Afghan nationals whose visas have expired or who have overstayed their permitted stay. Deputy commissioners, police, and law enforcement agencies were instructed to ensure strict implementation of the decision.
The ministry said daily reports must be submitted from July 11. The reports will include the number of undocumented Afghan nationals arrested, details of enforcement actions, and their current status.
The decision was made during a review meeting on Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.
Pakistan has been implementing a phased repatriation programme for undocumented foreigners, particularly Afghan nationals. Thousands have already returned under previous government directives.
According to reports, Pakistan has also urged Western countries, particularly the United States, to expedite the resettlement of eligible Afghan nationals. Pakistani officials have warned that those whose relocation cases remain unresolved could face repatriation.
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A large number of Afghans moved to Pakistan after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Many had worked with foreign governments and were awaiting relocation to third countries. However, years of delays in processing their cases have left many still living in Pakistan.
