Deportation of Afghan Nationals from Pakistan
Key Points:
- Recent Deportations:
- On Thursday, an additional 2,239 Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan were deported through the Torkham border.
- Among them, 894 lacked proper documentation, while 636 held Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC).
- 709 individuals were transported directly from Punjab and Azad Kashmir to the border.
- Ongoing Deportation Process:
- Khyber Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid Rao stated that the deportation process has been proceeding smoothly.
- Since April 1, a total of 43,760 Afghan nationals have been deported.
- Pakistan’s Policy on Afghan Refugees:
- In March, Pakistan rejected a request from the Afghan Taliban to extend the stay of Afghan refugees.
- The government made it clear that all illegal immigrants and ACC holders must leave by April 1, or face deportation.
- Around 800,000 ACC holders were affected by this decision, as their legal status expired on March 31, rendering them “illegal aliens.”
- Broader Implications:
- Reports suggest Pakistan may pursue a wider policy of evicting all Afghan refugees, signaling a strict stance on immigration control.
Pakistan continues to enforce its deportation policy for undocumented and ACC-holding Afghan nationals, with over 43,000 individuals repatriated since April 1. The government’s firm stance reflects its commitment to regulating illegal immigration, despite appeals from Afghan authorities. This move could have significant diplomatic and humanitarian repercussions, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of Afghans still residing in Pakistan.
