Pakistan sets March 31 deadline for Afghan citizen card holders to leave

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has officially directed Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country by March 31, 2025. Deportations will commence from April 1, 2025, for those who fail to exit voluntarily, according to an official statement.

The move is part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP), which has been in effect since November 1, 2023. The decision marks the first official confirmation from the Interior Ministry regarding the deportation of Afghan citizen card holders, adding to Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to repatriate all illegal foreigners.

“All illegal foreigners and Afghan citizen card holders must leave Pakistan voluntarily before March 31, 2025. Deportations will start from April 1, 2025,” the ministry stated, emphasizing that ample time had been provided for a dignified return.

The ministry assured that no Afghan national would be mistreated during the repatriation process. “Arrangements for food, healthcare, and other necessities have been put in place to facilitate their return,” the statement added.

Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades. However, authorities now stress that all individuals must comply with legal requirements and Pakistan’s constitution if they wish to stay.

Since November 2023, over 800,000 Afghans have been repatriated. Reports suggest that around 3 million Afghans still reside in Pakistan.