As the government’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country expired, Afghan nationals in multiple cities began preparing to depart—some willingly, others under pressure.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to enforce what officials now term as the “forced repatriation” of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders.
With the voluntary exit period now over, Afghan-run businesses in commercial areas of Peshawar have remained closed since Eid, and operations to identify and deport undocumented individuals have increased.
As part of NADRA’s national verification campaign, several Afghan nationals have had their Pakistani identity cards canceled.
A major crackdown is expected after April 11, and so far, 153 Afghan refugees have voluntarily returned.
In Rawalpindi, over 50 ACC holders were detained in police operations and transferred to temporary camps, with daily operations now underway.
Law enforcement sources indicate that entire families of ACC holders will also be moved to these camps.
In Karachi, authorities have launched a similar operation to deport undocumented foreigners, with an estimated 16,138 individuals targeted.
So far, more than 150 ACC holders have been detained in the city, though some were released after verification confirmed they possessed Proof of Registration (POR) cards.
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza reported that 196 Afghan nationals from various areas were taken to holding facilities on April 3.
With no further extensions granted, authorities warn that arrests will increase in the coming days.