Islamabad, March 8 – In a major crackdown on undocumented refugees, Pakistan has issued a final ultimatum to Afghan nationals and illegal immigrants, directing them to leave the country by March 31 or face forced deportation starting April 1. This move is part of the Illegal Foreigners Return Program (IFRP), introduced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government on November 1, 2023.
According to a report by Dawn, the Pakistani Ministry of Interior has announced that all Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and undocumented foreigners must exit the country by March 31, 2025. Those who fail to leave voluntarily will be forcibly deported from April 1, 2025. The ministry has assured that no human rights violations will occur during the expulsion process.
🔴 Pakistan Blames Afghan Refugees for Security Threats
The Pakistani government has long accused Afghan nationals of involvement in terrorism and crime, citing them as a major security risk. The decision to deport Afghan refugees stems from growing concerns over cross-border terrorism and internal security issues.
In 2023, Pakistan launched a large-scale deportation drive, targeting illegal Afghan refugees as part of its broader security policy. The Shehbaz Sharif administration argues that Afghan nationals have played a role in fueling unrest and violence within Pakistan.
📊 Over 800,000 Afghan Refugees Have Returned Since 2023
Key Statistics on Afghan Refugees in Pakistan:
- Over 800,000 Afghan refugees have left Pakistan since 2023, according to United Nations data.
- Pakistan currently hosts approximately 2.8 million Afghan refugees, many of whom arrived during the past four decades of Afghan conflict.
- Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, hundreds of thousands of Afghans fled to Pakistan and Iran.
- Before the Taliban’s return, Pakistan already housed around 3 million Afghan refugees, many of whom had arrived in the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan war.
- After the Taliban’s resurgence, over 600,000 additional refugees entered Pakistan, further increasing the burden on the country’s resources and infrastructure.
🚨 Rising Tensions Between Pakistan & Afghanistan Over Refugee Crisis
The mass deportation order has led to increasing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with humanitarian organizations expressing concerns over the fate of returning refugees.
Despite Pakistan’s assurance of humane deportation, the move has sparked criticism from international bodies, including the United Nations and human rights groups, who warn that many Afghan returnees may face persecution and hardships under the Taliban regime.
Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government has condemned the move, calling it “unjust” and “inhumane”, while urging Islamabad to reconsider. However, Pakistan remains firm on its decision, citing national security concerns and the need to reduce economic strain caused by the large refugee population.
📢 What Lies Ahead?
With March 31 as the final deadline, Pakistan is expected to accelerate its deportation process in the coming weeks. Afghan refugees who fail to leave voluntarily will face legal consequences and forced expulsion from April 1, 2025.
As tensions escalate between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the fate of millions of Afghan refugees hangs in uncertainty, with many fearing forced displacement, lack of resources, and harsh conditions upon their return.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.