Pakistan has decided to accelerate the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in the country illegally following the expiry of the government’s deadline for voluntary departure.
Under the new phase of the operation, authorities will intensify action against undocumented Afghan nationals. Officials said any Afghan national found residing in Pakistan without a valid visa will be arrested and deported, while legal action will also be taken against individuals providing them with shelter or rental accommodation.
Authorities have completed the geotagging and geofencing of Afghan nationals in Rawalpindi and across Punjab. Deputy commissioners have been directed to use the data to expedite arrests.
According to sources, provincial authorities will submit daily reports to the Ministry of Interior detailing the number of undocumented Afghan nationals arrested, ongoing operations, and the status of those in custody.
The Ministry of Interior had issued directives on June 28 to all provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, outlining the implementation of the operation.
According to official sources, the government says the deportation campaign is being carried out in accordance with Pakistan’s immigration laws and is aimed at ensuring that all foreign nationals residing in the country possess valid travel and residency documents. Authorities have directed law enforcement agencies to continue joint operations across the country.
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