Afghans Must Leave Pakistan By March 31 Final Notice!
Islamabad: The government of Pakistan has announced that Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders have been instructed to leave the country by March 31, 2025.
This decision has been taken under the National Program for the Return of Illegal Foreigners (IFRP), which came into effect from November 1, 2023.
All illegal foreigners and ACC holders have been given a deadline of March 31, 2025, to voluntarily return, after which their deportation will begin from April 1, 2025.
Regular and dignified return process
The government has assured to complete the return process in a dignified and orderly manner. In this regard, food and health facilities will be provided to the returning foreigners.
Officials say that full care will be taken of human dignity during the return and no one will be mistreated.
Pakistan’s role as a gracious host
The Pakistani government says the country has hosted Afghan refugees for years and has fulfilled all its commitments as a responsible state.
However, now those wishing to stay in the country will have to fulfill legal requirements and abide by the Constitution of Pakistan.
Presence of registered Afghan refugees
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are about 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. The government has extended the validity of the PoR cards until June 30, 2025.
Figures on illegal Afghan residents
Around 800,000 Afghan citizens are registered as ACC holders in Pakistan, while there are 600,000 illegal Afghan immigrants. According to official sources, 700,000 new Afghans have arrived in Pakistan since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, most of whom are eager to go to other countries.
New residency conditions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
According to officials, the majority of legally resident Afghans reside in Islamabad and its adjoining areas.
The government has decided that from January 1, 2025, Afghan citizens residing in Islamabad will have to obtain permission from the District Administration (DC).
Furthermore, a comprehensive plan has also been prepared to relocate registered Afghan citizens out of Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 2025.
