Pakistan firmly sets April 30 as the final deadline for all undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. The Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, announced that 84,869 Afghan nationals have already been sent back since April 1st.
The government’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan continues to be implemented lawfully and humanely, although with strict enforcement. Chaudhry firmly said that Pakistan’s four-decade history of hosting Afghan refugees has always helped them.
However, he also added that no country could possibly allow undocumented individuals to reside within its borders forever. Security concerns remained a key driver of the policy, with the Minister mentioning knowledge about the weapons left by the US in Afghanistan.
These weapons got into the hands of the military and raised last year’s death toll to 1,600, nearly half of whom were security personnel. The government is conducting a full investigation against Pakistanis who assisted the undocumented foreigners’ accommodation.
The investigation provided a warning of legal action against those who aided them in housing or employment. This opportunity came as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar prepares to lead a delegation to Kabul for diplomatic discussions.
While the Taliban government continues calling for dignified returns, it denies Pakistan’s accusations about helping any of the militants. Officials maintain a policy reflecting the necessary immigration enforcement rather than hostility.
It aims to strike a balance between national security needs and humanitarian considerations. The repatriation process remains ongoing, with authorities working to meet the April 30 deadline.
The situation highlights Pakistan’s complex position as it transitions from long-term refugee host to enforcing stricter border controls amid regional security challenges.