Pakistan to begin second phase of Afghan refugees' repatriation
Pakistan
Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad, Rawalpindi given deadline of March 31
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The government announced launching the second phase of its plan to repatriate Afghan refugees, according to the Ministry of Interior.
In this phase, Afghan nationals holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) will be sent back. Currently, approximately 800,000 individuals reside in Pakistan under this category. Preparations have also been finalised to relocate legally residing Afghan citizens from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The Ministry of Interior has begun implementing decisions made in a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been given a deadline of March 31 for relocation.
Afghan refugees seeking resettlement in a third country will be allowed to stay in Pakistan until June 30. However, those awaiting visas for another country will not be permitted to remain in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies will submit compliance reports to the Prime Minister’s Office every 15 days. The documents also state that if Afghan nationals fail to secure visas from another country by September, they will be deemed illegal residents in Pakistan.
