Pakistan has started repatriating Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and other illegal Afghan refugees after the deadline of March 31, 2025, passed. Deportations began on April 1 under the government's ongoing Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP), launched in November 2023. (Source)
Background of the Repatriation Program
The IFRP was formulated to address the presence of illegal foreign nationals in Pakistan, aimed specifically at Afghan refugees. The Ministry of Interior had earlier instructed all ACC holders to repatriate themselves voluntarily before March 31, 2025, with the caveat that those who failed to do so would be addressed through strict legal action. In a recent statement, the ministry again clarified that the repatriation policy is for all unregistered foreign nationals, including ACC holders.
Afghan Refugee Population in Pakistan
Pakistan has been a haven for millions of Afghan citizens over the past few decades. According to government estimates:
- 1.3 million Afghans hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards
- 880,000 have Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC)
- Nearly 1 million are undocumented
The ACC is an identity document issued to registered Afghan nationals by Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) that grants them temporary legal status.
(Source)
Government's Stance and Implementation
The government of Pakistan has emphasized that sufficient time was given for the Afghan refugees to leave voluntarily. Officials have ensured that the repatriation process would be equitable, with food, healthcare, and transport facilities being provided to those leaving.
In the words of a Ministry of Interior official:
"Pakistan has been a generous host, but we must uphold our national policies regarding undocumented foreigners.
International Concerns and Human Rights Implications
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch have expressed concerns about the forced deportation of Afghan refugees. They argue that returning Afghan nationals face serious risks, including:
- Persecution by the Taliban
- Severe economic hardships
- Lack of proper resettlement plans
Human Rights Watch has urged Pakistan to halt forced deportations and for international partners, including the United States, to expedite resettlement claims for at-risk Afghan refugees.
Challenges Faced by Afghan Refugees
Many Afghan refugees have been waiting for resettlement in third countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. The suspension of U.S. Refugee Admissions Programs, however, has left thousands of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.
Some of those who have been impacted include:
- Doctors, teachers, and engineers
- Former U.S. military translators and employees
- Human rights activists and women's rights activists
Diplomatic Relations and Regional Stability
The Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has claimed that Afghan refugees are being subjected to arrests and harassment in Pakistan's mass deportation drive. This can strain diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and affect regional stability.
I(Source)
Conclusion
Pakistan's repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and other undocumented Afghan refugees constitutes a major policy shift. Although Islamabad insists the process is lawful and humane, human rights groups alert to possible humanitarian repercussions.
The unfolding scenario underscores the imperative need for global intervention, especially in accelerating refugee resettlement schemes for the safety and dignity of Afghan citizens.