Islamabad: The government of Pakistan has set a firm deadline for all illegal immigrants, including Afghan citizen card holders, to leave the country by March 31, 2024. With only 14 days remaining, authorities have reiterated their stance that strict legal action will follow against those who fail to comply with the directive.
Government’s Directive for Illegal Immigrants
The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to regulate its immigration policies and enhance national security. The government has made it clear that all illegal immigrants, regardless of nationality, must voluntarily leave Pakistan before the deadline to avoid legal consequences.
This move primarily affects Afghan refugees who have been residing in Pakistan for decades, many of whom entered the country during the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s. However, the government has clarified that Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders are also included in the list of individuals required to return to their homeland.
Assurances from the Pakistani Government
Authorities have emphasized that the deportation process will be conducted in a dignified and humanitarian manner. Government representatives have assured that:
- No illegal immigrant will be mistreated during the process.
- Evacuees will be provided with food, health facilities, and transport assistance to ensure a safe return to their countries.
- Families, including children and elderly individuals, will be given special consideration to facilitate a smooth transition.
The Ministry of Interior has coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the evacuation process remains systematic, efficient, and free from unnecessary hardships.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
Despite offering a voluntary departure period, the government has warned of strict legal actions against those who fail to comply with the deadline. Relevant authorities have indicated that arrests and deportation measures will begin immediately after March 31.
Expected Legal Actions
- Detention and Deportation: Illegal immigrants who remain in the country beyond the deadline may be detained and forcibly deported.
- Property Seizure: The government may take action against individuals renting property to illegal immigrants, reinforcing the urgency for them to leave.
- Fines and Legal Penalties: Overstaying immigrants may face heavy fines, legal prosecution, and potential blacklisting from re-entering Pakistan in the future.
- Strict Border Monitoring: Authorities have strengthened border control measures to prevent any re-entry of deported individuals.
The Afghan Refugee Situation in Pakistan
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past four decades. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, millions of Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan, with large numbers settling in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and urban centers such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
According to UNHCR estimates, Pakistan still hosts over 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees under the Proof of Registration (PoR) card system. In addition, hundreds of thousands of unregistered Afghan nationals are believed to be living in the country, many of whom are the direct targets of this new deportation policy.
Impact on Afghan Refugees and Other Immigrants
The announcement has caused significant distress among the Afghan refugee population. Many refugees who have lived in Pakistan for generations fear they will have nowhere to go. Afghan families who have established businesses, enrolled children in schools, and built their lives in Pakistan are now uncertain about their future.
Afghanistan, which is still recovering from decades of war and political instability, may struggle to reintegrate such a large number of returnees. Human rights organizations and international agencies have expressed concerns about the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from mass deportations.
Government’s Justification for the Crackdown
The Pakistani government has cited national security concerns, economic burden, and rising cross-border criminal activities as key reasons for this initiative. Officials claim that undocumented immigrants contribute to:
- Increased pressure on public resources, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
- Security threats, with allegations that some illegal immigrants have been involved in criminal activities.
- Cross-border smuggling and illegal trade, impacting Pakistan’s economy and border security.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that while Pakistan acknowledges the historical ties and humanitarian responsibilities, the country can no longer sustain the large influx of undocumented immigrants.
Response from the Afghan Government and International Organizations
The Taliban-led Afghan government has urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision and allow more time for voluntary repatriation. Afghan officials have requested diplomatic engagement to facilitate a structured return process rather than mass deportations.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations have also called for an extension of the deadline and provision of financial and logistical support for the returnees.
What Comes Next?
With the March 31 deadline fast approaching, authorities expect large-scale departures of Afghan and other undocumented immigrants in the coming days. Border checkpoints are being reinforced, and arrangements are being made at major exit points such as Torkham and Chaman border crossings to accommodate the returnees.
Meanwhile, legal experts argue that Pakistan should establish a clear and transparent refugee policy in collaboration with the international community to ensure a sustainable solution to the issue.
Conclusion
The decision to deport illegal immigrants, including Afghan citizen card holders, marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s immigration policy. While the government has assured a humanitarian approach, concerns remain about the socioeconomic impact, potential humanitarian crisis, and security risks associated with the move.
As the March 31 deadline draws closer, all eyes remain on how this situation unfolds, its implications for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, and the fate of thousands of individuals facing forced repatriation.
