ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced on Wednesday that no individual without legal documentation would be allowed to stay in the country, as preparations begin for the second phase of repatriating Afghan refugees.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made this announcement during a meeting with a UN delegation led by Special Representative for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte.
Pakistan initiated the deportation drive last year in response to a surge in suicide attacks, which the government attributed to Afghan nationals. Islamabad has also accused them of involvement in smuggling, militant violence, and other crimes.
Welcoming the UN delegation at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Naqvi emphasized the need for UN and international community support in rehabilitating Afghan refugees. He underscored that terrorism is a global issue, with Pakistan being the most affected nation, citing the sacrifices of its security forces, police, and citizens in the war against terrorism.
He informed the UN delegation about the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s involvement in terrorist attacks within Pakistan and asserted that the TTP’s use of Afghan territory for these attacks must be stopped. Mr. Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan, emphasizing its commitment to providing support towards this goal.
He clarified that the phased repatriation of undocumented foreigners has already commenced, ensuring that no action is taken against those with legal documents. Ratwatte praised Pakistan’s efforts concerning Afghan refugees and the Doha dialogue, noting the UN’s close collaboration with the Afghan government for their permanent rehabilitation.
An official noted that Afghan nationals holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) would be repatriated in the second phase of the deportation drive. According to the UNHCR, there are currently 2.18 million documented Afghan refugees in Pakistan, including 1.3 million holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards and 880,000 with ACCs, issued during a 2017 registration drive.
The Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 triggered another wave of Afghan migration to Pakistan, with estimates ranging from 600,000 to 800,000, some possessing valid travel documents but facing an uncertain future.
Pakistan launched the first phase of repatriation for “undocumented aliens” in November last year, expelling around half a million Afghans under this initiative.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office disclosed that approximately 44,000 Afghans, approved for relocation to Western countries after the Taliban’s takeover, are still waiting in Pakistan. Among them are 25,000 approved for relocation to the US, 9,000 to Australia, 6,000 to Canada, 3,000 to Germany, and over 1,000 to Britain. Pakistan has urged these countries to expedite the approval and visa issuance processes to facilitate timely relocation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently raised the issue with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, highlighting the backlog of Afghans awaiting relocation and the large number of refugees arriving without plans for further travel.
Afghans represent the largest group of migrants in Pakistan, with many having arrived after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021 and others dating back to the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
In October 2023, Pakistan launched the first phase of the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan,” giving a 30-day deadline for undocumented aliens to leave or face legal action. The second phase will focus on expelling Afghans with ACCs, while the third phase is expected to target those holding UNHCR-issued PoR cards.
