Photo by Lara Jameson
Officials in Pakistan have announced that they have finalized plans to detain and deport a specific group of Afghan nationals following the March 31 deadline for their voluntary return to Afghanistan.
A high-level meeting held on Friday assessed the preparations for the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders after the aforementioned deadline.
The meeting was chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.In January, the Pakistani government instructed ACC holders to exit the country by the end of March or face deportation.
Despite appeals from the Afghan government and human rights organizations, Pakistani authorities have declined to extend the deadline for their return.
During the Friday meeting, officials confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate the return of ACC holders to Afghanistan. They reported that detention centers have been established to hold Afghan citizens prior to their deportation, with provisions for food and healthcare available at these facilities, as reported by the Dawn newspaper.
Naqvi stated that the federal government is collaborating with provincial authorities to ensure a smooth repatriation process, pledging full support to the provinces involved.
The meeting also resolved that Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry would visit the provinces to address any challenges that may arise during the repatriation.
Naqvi further instructed that foreign nationals be treated with respect throughout the repatriation process.
An awareness campaign aimed at informing individuals about the repatriation is currently in progress, and the mapping of ACC holders has been completed, as noted in the meeting.
The United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration reports that the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) provides temporary legal status to Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan.
Nonetheless, the federal government determines how long the ACC will remain effective.
A government representative informed the Dawn newspaper that enforcement actions will commence nationwide against ACC holders following the established deadline. He also indicated that property owners who rent to undocumented Afghan nationals will face repercussions.
Search operations will be initiated to identify illegal Afghan residents, and their biometric data will be recorded in official databases to prevent their future entry into the country. Additionally, identity and travel documents that have been fraudulently acquired by Afghan nationals will be revoked, and those responsible, along with their accomplices, will face imprisonment and fines, as stated by the official, who requested anonymity.
The meeting also resolved to establish a committee to evaluate the proposal from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur regarding negotiations with the Afghan Taliban concerning terrorism. He had asked the federal government to formally assign him the task of engaging in discussions with the Afghan administration and had submitted a proposed peace initiative to the ministries of interior and foreign affairs.
The repatriation of ACC holders is part of the second phase of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme, which commenced in November 2023, with the latest announcement made on January 29.
The government has also decided to move Afghan nationals, including those holding UNHCR-issued Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, out of Islamabad and Rawalpindi by March 31.
This deportation plan has faced significant criticism from international human rights organizations. Earlier this week, Amnesty International condemned the treatment of Afghan migrants by Pakistani authorities, labeling the March 31 deadline as harsh and inhumane.
