Pakistan has firmly rejected a request from the Afghan Taliban to extend the stay of Afghan refugees, signaling its unwavering commitment to deporting all illegal Afghan nationals and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders starting April 1, 2025. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Interior on March 7, 2025, marks a significant escalation in Pakistan’s policy to repatriate Afghan migrants, as reported by The Express Tribune.
In a major policy shift, Pakistan set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for approximately 800,000 ACC holders to voluntarily leave the country, after which they will be treated as illegal aliens and subject to deportation. The official statement from the Ministry of Interior, issued on March 7, stated, “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) has been implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the Government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders.” It further advised, “All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence with effect from April 1, 2025.”
Pakistan emphasized that sufficient time has already been provided for a dignified return of Afghan migrants. Following this announcement, the Taliban government approached Pakistan through diplomatic channels, requesting a delay in deportations and additional time for their nationals. However, official sources confirmed to The Express Tribune on Sunday that Pakistan’s decision is final, with no room for relaxation. Authorities in all four provinces have been instructed to prepare for the orderly return of Afghan refugees.
Since launching the repatriation campaign in November 2023, Pakistan has deported over 800,000 Afghans living illegally in the country. Previously, those registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or holding ACCs were spared. Despite this, an estimated 3 million Afghans remain in Pakistan, prompting concerns from the Afghan government about forced deportations and alleged mistreatment. Pakistan has denied these allegations, urging the Taliban to create a conducive environment in Afghanistan for the dignified return of its citizens.
The move is likely to further strain already tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring terrorists responsible for a surge in attacks on Pakistani soil, including a recent assault on Bannu Cantonment, where initial investigations implicated Afghan nationals. Tensions have also escalated at the Torkham border crossing, closed since February 21, 2025, due to a dispute over Afghanistan’s construction of a check post on Pakistani territory. Sources indicate that deportations will proceed through the Torkham border once operational.
This policy decision underscores Pakistan’s security concerns amid rising terrorism, but it risks deepening diplomatic friction with Kabul, as both nations navigate complex regional dynamics. For updates on Pakistan’s immigration policies and regional developments, follow official government announcements and news reports.
