Islamabad, April 18, 2025: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on immigration enforcement, announcing April 30 as the final deadline for undocumented foreign nationals — particularly Afghan citizens — to leave Pakistan voluntarily.
“Pakistan has extended unmatched hospitality for decades. But no sovereign country can allow individuals to stay without legal status,” the minister said during a press briefing in Islamabad.
The announcement comes ahead of a high-level visit to Kabul by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, scheduled for April 19, where the repatriation process is expected to be a key agenda item.
As part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan launched in late 2023, Islamabad initially set a March 31 deadline, which was later extended by one month. The plan targets individuals residing in Pakistan without valid visas or legal documentation, including those holding Afghan Citizen Cards.
Chaudhry reported that over 84,800 Afghan nationals have been repatriated since April 1 under a process he described as “lawful, organized, and humane”, coordinated closely with Afghan authorities.
“This is not an act of hostility. It’s a necessary enforcement of immigration law in the interest of national security and public order,” he said.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans since the 1979 Soviet invasion. While many have returned in recent years, an estimated 2.1 million still reside in the country — mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other northern provinces.
Raising alarm over regional security, Chaudhry disclosed that credible intelligence reports suggest a portion of the one million weapons left behind by U.S. forces in Afghanistan have ended up in the hands of terrorist groups, exacerbating cross-border threats.
The minister also announced a crackdown on locals facilitating illegal residents, warning that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who rent out property, provide shelter, or offer employment to undocumented foreigners.
“No one is allowed to conduct property transactions or employment arrangements with foreign nationals lacking legal documentation,” he said, adding that all provinces have been issued clear directives.
He underscored that the government’s policy is being implemented with diplomatic sensitivity, in consultation with the Taliban administration in Kabul. The Afghan interim government has repeatedly called for the “dignified and voluntary” return of its nationals.
Chaudhry concluded by reiterating that Pakistan’s approach is anchored in law, responsibility, and regional stability.
“Our doors were open for 40 years. Now it is time to move forward — with order, security, and a firm commitment to the rule of law.”
