Islamabad: Pakistan has turned down the Afghan government’s request to extend the stay of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Deadline Set for February 28
Last year, these individuals were instructed to leave the country by February 28, 2025, leaving them with only seven days to remain in the twin cities.
According to sources, security agencies have compiled lists of illegal Afghan residents, detailing their residences and locations.
Conditions for Legal Afghan Nationals
- Afghan nationals with valid documents for migration to another country can stay in Pakistan until March 31, 2025. After that, they must also leave.
- Those holding valid Pakistani visas can stay for the duration specified in their visas.
Security Concerns Drive Decision
Government sources stated that the decision to expel Afghan nationals has become inevitable due to security concerns and the sensitivity of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Pakistan Rejects Afghan Envoy’s Claims
Meanwhile, Pakistan has rejected the Afghan chargé d’affaires’ remarks regarding the alleged mistreatment of Afghan refugees being repatriated under Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP).
Pakistan’s Foreign Office reminded Kabul that it has hosted millions of Afghans for several decades.
“The allegations of mistreatment of Afghan nationals are baseless. Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees with respect and dignity, extending its traditional hospitality and providing access to education and healthcare despite minimal international support,” the Foreign Office spokesperson stated.
Pakistan clarified that “the IFRP, launched in 2023, has implemented appropriate mechanisms to ensure that no individual is mistreated or harassed during repatriation. We have also extensively engaged with Afghan authorities to facilitate a smooth repatriation process.”
Earlier, in a strongly worded statement, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad claimed that “Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed a final plan to expel all Afghan refugees, not just from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but from the entire country in the near future.”
