By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not extend an April 30 deadline for Afghans awaiting relocation to third countries to leave, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said on Friday, warning of strict action against citizens found aiding undocumented migrants.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said the government would enforce its repatriation policy “without exception,” with the third phase of its “One-Document Regime” – targeting Afghans approved for resettlement in Western nations – set to begin after the cutoff.
His remarks precede Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s scheduled visit to Afghanistan on Saturday for talks expected to cover migration and security.
Approximately 44,000 Afghans cleared for relocation to the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Britain remain in Pakistan as of July 2024, according to government data.
These include 25,000 bound for the U.S., 9,000 for Australia, 6,000 for Canada, 3,000 for Germany, and over 1,000 for the UK. Despite initial momentum after the Taliban’s August 2021 takeover of Kabul, relocation efforts have stalled, leaving thousands in limbo.
Over 907,000 undocumented Afghans have been repatriated since Islamabad launched its expulsion drive in November 2023, though officials did not provide updated figures on ongoing transfers.
“No illegal immigrant will stay beyond the deadline,” Chaudhry said, adding that Pakistani citizens found renting property, offering jobs, or otherwise assisting undocumented foreigners would face prosecution. Only those with valid visas or Proof of Registration (PoR) cards – valid until June 30 – are exempt.
“We have communicated clear instructions to all provinces,” he said. “If anyone gives a shop, house, or any kind of space to an illegal foreigner, they will be held accountable under the law.”
Chaudhry linked the policy to regional security threats, citing reports that U.S.-abandoned weapons in Afghanistan had reached militant groups. “This poses grave risks to Pakistan and the region,” he said, emphasising diplomatic engagement with Kabul.
Earlier on Friday, Chaudhry met an Afghan delegation led by Acting Commerce Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi, which included Refugee Minister Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani and Ambassador Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani. Discussions focused on transit trade and repatriation, with Islamabad reiterating its stance on legal documentation.
Pakistan has issued over one million visas to Afghans since 2021, yet the expulsion drive has drawn criticism from rights groups, who accuse authorities of coercive tactics. The government denies such claims, insisting the policy addresses economic and security challenges posed by unregulated migration.
With transit camps and complaint cells operational nationwide, authorities say they aim to minimize disruptions. Yet for thousands awaiting resettlement, the deadline signals dwindling options as Islamabad refuses to yield.
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