Pakistan has decided to expel all Afghan nationals including legal refugees from the country this year, a private TV channel reported on Wednesday.
As per the report, in a major crackdown against illegal foreigners in Pakistan, it has been decided to expel all Afghan nationals including those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting held at the Interior Ministry, which was chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries of all four provinces, IGs, and other officers of other law enforcement agencies.
The Interior Ministry has clarified that even registered Afghans with valid PoR cards must leave Pakistan. However, they can return after obtaining visas through the proper legal channels. To facilitate their return 49 repatriation points have been established.
The process to deport Afghan nationals will start after April following all legal procedures.
The government has decided that police will first issue warnings to Afghan cardholders before enforcing repatriation. Those who comply voluntarily will be allowed to take their belongings with them. However, after April, any Afghan national—even with a valid PoR card—who remains in Pakistan will face deportation through legal proceedings.
According to UNHCR, Pakistan currently hosts some 1.5 million Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers, alongside more than 1.5 million Afghans of different legal statuses.
