ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry of Interior has announced a decisive escalation in its crackdown on Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan, setting a firm deadline of July 10, 2026, for all undocumented individuals to leave or face immediate arrest.
In a major policy directive issued on Monday, the ministry declared that any Afghan citizen found without a valid visa after the stipulated date will be detained without delay. The move signals an end to previous grace periods, as authorities pivot toward a zero-tolerance enforcement strategy across the country.
Formal orders have been dispatched to all provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the federal capital, Islamabad. The directive explicitly instructs law enforcement and local authorities to “further intensify” ongoing operations aimed at apprehending and deporting illegal foreign nationals.
Under the new protocol, all relevant agencies are required to submit a detailed daily report to the Interior Ministry, cataloguing the number of individuals arrested and the specific actions taken. This reporting mechanism is designed to ensure transparency and maintain pressure on field units to meet enforcement targets.
The letter further clarifies that the nationwide campaign against illegal residency will commence in full force on July 10, with no exceptions or extensions. All institutions concerned have been put on notice to guarantee “immediate and complete implementation” of the orders.
This latest directive comes amid heightened tensions and a broader policy shift by Islamabad to regulate the presence of Afghan nationals, following years of hosting millions of refugees. Officials have reiterated that the operation is not targeted at registered refugees holding valid Proof of Registration (PoR) cards but solely at those who have overstayed or entered the country without proper documentation.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the expedited timeline, urging the government to ensure due process and humane treatment during arrests and deportations. However, the Interior Ministry has maintained that the measures are essential for national security and legal compliance.
