March 9, Pakistan: In a significant move amid strained relations with Afghanistan, Pakistan has announced that all Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders must leave the country by March 31, 2025. This decision is part of the broader Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP), which aims to repatriate all undocumented and documented foreigners residing in Pakistan.
The directive, reportedly leaked to the media on Friday night, affects over 800,000 documented Afghan refugees holding ACCs. Unlike undocumented refugees, who have already been at risk of deportation, ACC holders were previously considered legal residents. However, the new policy now includes them in the repatriation plan, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to Afghan migrants.
Key Details of the Repatriation Plan
- Deadline for Voluntary Departure: March 31, 2025
- Deportation Start Date: April 1, 2025
- Affected Groups: Afghan Citizen Card holders and undocumented foreigners
- Implementation: Part of the IFRP, which began on November 1, 2023
The document highlights that ACC holders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be among the first to be relocated as part of a multiphase plan. This plan also includes Afghan migrants awaiting resettlement in third countries.
Background and Implications
The decision comes amid worsening relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, primarily over issues related to terrorism. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who carry out attacks on Pakistani soil. The repatriation of Afghan refugees, including ACC holders, is seen as a step to address security concerns and reduce the strain on Pakistan’s resources.
However, the move has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact. Over 800,000 documented Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades, now face the prospect of returning to a country still grappling with political instability, economic challenges, and a lack of infrastructure.
Government Assurances and Preparations
The Pakistani government has emphasized that the repatriation process will be conducted with dignity and respect. The document states that sufficient time has been provided for ACC holders to make arrangements for their return. Additionally, measures have been put in place to ensure that returnees are not maltreated and have access to food and healthcare during the process.
What’s Next?
- Voluntary Departure: ACC holders are urged to leave Pakistan voluntarily before the March 31 deadline to avoid forced deportation.
- Deportation Process: Starting April 1, 2025, those who remain will face deportation.
- International Response: The decision may draw criticism from international organizations and human rights groups, particularly given the challenges faced by returnees in Afghanistan.
A Humanitarian Challenge
While the Pakistani government’s decision is rooted in national security concerns, it underscores the complex and often precarious situation of Afghan refugees. Many ACC holders have built lives in Pakistan, with children born and raised in the country. Forcing them to return to Afghanistan could lead to significant disruptions and hardships.
As the deadline approaches, the international community will be closely watching how Pakistan handles the repatriation process and whether it can balance its security interests with the humanitarian needs of Afghan refugees.
For now, the clock is ticking for over 800,000 ACC holders, who must decide their next steps before March 31, 2025.
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