Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has recently issued a directive mandating that all illegal foreigners, including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, must leave the country by March 31. This announcement follows a broader effort by the Pakistani government to repatriate undocumented individuals residing within its borders.
The government has warned that deportations will commence from April 1 for those who fail to comply with this deadline. The decision has significant implications for the Afghan refugee population, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades.
Background of the Repatriation Effort
Pakistan has been home to a substantial Afghan refugee population since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Over the years, waves of Afghan migrants have entered Pakistan, fleeing wars, instability, and economic hardships in their homeland.
As a result, Pakistan has hosted around 2.8 million Afghan refugees, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting nations in the world.
The Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) was introduced as a means of formalizing the status of some of these refugees, allowing them to reside in Pakistan temporarily.
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According to UN data, over 800,000 Afghans currently hold these cards, while an additional 1.3 million are formally registered with the Pakistani government under a Proof of Residence (PoR) scheme. The recent directive, however, makes it clear that all ACC holders must leave by March 31, raising concerns about the fate of these individuals and families.
Justifications and Government Stance
The Pakistani government has justified its repatriation drive on multiple grounds. One of the primary reasons cited is national security. Islamabad has repeatedly claimed that Afghan migrants, including ACC holders, are involved in militant activities and criminal offenses.
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry stated that the country has been a “gracious host” for Afghan refugees but must now take necessary steps to regulate its foreign population. Officials argue that this move is essential for maintaining internal security and ensuring that all foreign nationals comply with legal formalities.
Despite these claims, the Afghan government has rejected allegations that Afghan migrants are involved in militant activities. Kabul has maintained that the forced repatriation of refugees is a violation of their rights and has urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision.
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Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the humanitarian implications of this policy, emphasizing the challenges faced by deported individuals in Afghanistan, where economic instability and security threats remain high.
Impact on Afghan Refugees and International Response
The Pakistani government’s decision has triggered a wave of uncertainty and fear among Afghan refugees, particularly those who have lived in Pakistan for decades.
Many Afghan families have established businesses, enrolled their children in Pakistani schools, and integrated into local communities. For them, returning to Afghanistan means starting from scratch in a country still grappling with economic difficulties and political turmoil following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The UN has reported that over 800,000 Afghans have already returned to Afghanistan since the start of the repatriation drive. However, many of those being forced to leave are individuals awaiting resettlement in Western countries, including the United States.
Following the Taliban takeover, thousands of Afghans applied for asylum and resettlement programs, hoping to relocate to safer environments. The forced expulsion of these individuals could disrupt their resettlement process, leaving them in a precarious situation.
International organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), have called on Pakistan to ensure that repatriation is conducted in a humane manner.
The UNHCR has emphasized the need for voluntary returns rather than forced deportations, urging Islamabad to provide adequate support to those affected. Human rights groups have also highlighted the risks faced by returnees, particularly women, children, and individuals who previously worked with foreign governments and organizations.
The Pakistani government’s decision to expel Afghan Citizen Card holders by March 31 marks a significant shift in its refugee policy. While officials cite national security concerns and the need to regulate foreign residents, the move has raised serious humanitarian concerns.
Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for generations, now face an uncertain future as they are forced to return to a country struggling with economic instability and ongoing security challenges.
As the deadline approaches, the international community will be closely watching how Pakistan implements its repatriation plan. Humanitarian agencies and rights organizations continue to advocate for a more compassionate approach, urging Pakistan to balance security concerns with the need to protect the rights and dignity of refugees.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of thousands of Afghan families who now find themselves caught in the middle of geopolitical tensions and shifting migration policies.
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