Pakistan issues warning to illegal Afghan nationals

The Pakistan interior ministry has issued warning to “illegal foreigners” and Afghan Citizen card holder to leave the country before March 31 or face deportation.

Afghan citizens, who forms the largest portion of migrants in Pakistan, have been linked with militant attacks and crimes in the country.

“Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfil its commitments and obligations as a responsible state,” said the interior ministry in a statement. “It is reiterated that individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfil all legal formalities.”

The country launched its repatriation drive of foreign citizens, most of whom are Afghan, in 2023. Though, the authorities have targeted foreigners with no legal documentation thus far.

According to the UN data, over 800,000 Afghans hold an Afghan Citizen Card in Pakistan, and roughly 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistani government.

The United Nations say that more than 800,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan since the repatriation drive began.

So far Pakistan has hosted around 2.8 million Afghan refugees who crossed the border during 40 years of conflict in their homeland, it said.