Pakistan has reiterated its stance on Afghan Refugees Repatriation, stating that individuals without legal documentation cannot remain within its borders, as the government prepares to launch the second phase of this initiative. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made this announcement during a meeting with a UN delegation led by Special Representative for Afghanistan, Indrika Ratwatte.
The Afghan Refugees Repatriation drive, initially launched last year, followed a surge in suicide attacks, which the government attributes to Afghan nationals. Islamabad has also cited concerns over smuggling, militant violence, and other crimes linked to undocumented Afghans.
During the meeting, Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the critical role of the UN and the international community in supporting the Afghan Refugees Repatriation efforts. He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global war on terrorism, noting that the country has borne the brunt of terror attacks, many of which are linked to the banned TTP operating from Afghan soil.
Pakistan has been a generous host to Afghan refugees for decades, and the Afghan Refugees Repatriation process has already commenced in phases. Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured that no action will be taken against individuals with legal documentation. The UN’s Indrika Ratwatte commended Pakistan’s efforts in the Afghan Refugees Repatriation process and acknowledged the country’s support in facilitating peace and stability in Afghanistan.
In the upcoming second phase of Afghan Refugees Repatriation, Afghans holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) will be repatriated. Currently, there are 2.18 million documented Afghan refugees in Pakistan, including those with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards and ACCs.
The Foreign Office has urged western nations to expedite the relocation of over 44,000 Afghans approved for resettlement, who are currently in limbo in Pakistan. Many of these individuals arrived after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, contributing to the significant influx of Afghan refugees.
Pakistan’s Afghan Refugees Repatriation plan, announced in October 2023, has already seen the expulsion of nearly half a million undocumented Afghans. The second phase will target those with ACCs, followed by a third phase focusing on individuals holding UNHCR-issued PoR cards.
