The deadline for the voluntary return of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has expired, initiating their deportation to Afghanistan.
According to reports, the voluntary repatriation period for Afghan Citizen Card holders concluded on March 31st. As of today, these cardholders are now considered illegal residents.
Following the deadline’s expiration, Afghan Citizen Card holders will be detained. Authorities have assured that their return to Afghanistan will be conducted with dignity.
In response to this, temporary camps have been established in Peshawar and Landi Kotal to accommodate Afghan Citizen Card holders.
These individuals will undergo biometric processing before being deported to Afghanistan.
Afghan authorities have set up reception and registration camps near the Torkham border to facilitate the repatriation process.
The estimated number of Afghan Citizen Card holders currently residing in Pakistan is approximately 800,000. These individuals will be repatriated in a second phase.
It is important to note that the first phase of repatriation, involving approximately 700,000 unregistered individuals, has already been completed.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan walk towards the Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border on November 3, 2023, following Pakistan's government decision to expel people illegally staying in the country. More than 165,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan since Islamabad issued an ultimatum to 1.7 million people a month ago to leave or face arrest and deportation, officials said on November 2. (Photo by Abdul MAJEED / AFP)
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