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Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Repatriation and implications
Listen to article The deportation of nearly 880,000 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, along with all foreigners illegally residing in Pakistan, is underway following the expiration of the official March 31 deadline, which mandated the return of these individuals to leave the country voluntarily. The move has caused considerable "mayhem" — both in Afghanistan and elsewhere — with calls for compassion and refrain from forced repatriation. But quite interestingly, Iran has expelled over 1.5 million Afghans in the last two years but hardly has it been subjected to the kind of scrutiny that Pakistan is currently facing. One wonders why Pakistan is singled out for a drive that in essence is centred in the need for documentation of every foreigner that enters, resides or leaves the country. The Interior Ministry defends the crackdown, arguing "sufficient time has already been granted for their dignified return", emphasising that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process, that began as the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program in November 2023. It forced around 850,000 undocumented refugees to return to Afghanistan in the first phase. They largely included hundreds of thousands of Afghans who fled their country in the wake of its takeover by Taliban in August 2021. The ongoing second phase is primarily targeting individuals who possess the ACC. The temporary identification document was issued to undocumented Afghans, mostly economic migrants, by the Pakistani government under a programme implemented in 2017 with the support of the International Organization of Migration (IOM) to address their vulnerabilities and facilitate access to services. Pakistan also hosts nearly 1.4 million legal Afghan refugees with the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards issued by the UNHCR. The PoR cards remain valid until June 30, 2025. Notably, over 60% of these refugees were born and raised in Pakistan. However, several questions arise based on my extensive experience and observations over the past three decades in and around Afghanistan. Does the phased expulsion of Afghans address Pakistan's security concerns? While officials have publicly argued that the presence of Afghans, both through PoR and ACC, poses a threat, it is unclear whether this expulsion will effectively address the security crisis. Secondly, what tangible benefits will be gained by forcibly repatriating Afghans who were born, raised and educated in Pakistan? For many of these young people, Afghanistan is an unfamiliar country. Additionally, despite the PTI provincial government's policy gaps and execution shortcomings, its standoff with the Centre and security establishment since 2013 has only exacerbated the province's economic woes and deepened the governance crisis, particularly in the six border districts that were merged in May 2018. The province continues to bear the brunt of TTP-led violence that originates from across the border. It is also important to note that the apex committee comprising the civilian government and the 11th Corps has continued to function effectively, largely due to the military's consistent leadership in addressing issues related to Afghanistan, borders and terrorism. Thirdly, the air is already toxic, replete with numerous anti-Pakistan narratives, predominantly emanating from Afghans who suffer under the oppressive rule of greedy police or border officials. These officials merely amplify and exacerbate the sentiment against Pakistan. Do they consider the consequences of their decisions, which grant the police unchecked authority to extort Afghans from all corners of the country? In numerous cases, even those with valid documentation, businesses and relationships have fallen victim to the unbridled and high-handedness of these officials, often driven by a voracious desire for money. Lastly, and more alarmingly, what mindset is currently prevailing in Pakistan? Do officials genuinely seek to protect Pakistan or merely the capital territory of Islamabad? Internally, the stated intention was to force Afghans out of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and relocate them to other areas. We would be delighted if most Afghans could leave the capital territory and Rawalpindi, as officials in Islamabad reportedly whispered into each other's ears. The most apparent implied intention, it appears, was to push Afghans from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi into the already struggling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The province continues to grapple with the repercussions of the two Afghan wars, one against the Soviet Union and the other against Al-Qaeda, commonly referred to as the war on terror. In both instances, KP served as the launching pad, leading to a dilution of the rule of law. This erosion of law and order facilitated the involvement of both local and foreign state and non-state actors, resulting in countless compromises, relaxations of regulations, interference in the civilian security sector and circumvention of societal norms. The consequences are evident in the decaying governance structures, characterised by bureaucratic lethargy, political expediency and professional incompetence. The movers and shakers of power need to tread the path carefully to avoid the perception that they only care about Rawalpindi and Islamabad and that they treat KP and Balochistan as useless backyards, where socio-political tensions and economic adversity doesn't seem to bother those who matter.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Depts clueless as Afghan repatriation nears
The deadline for the mass repatriation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan is just 10 days away, but the federal government has yet to provide clear guidelines, leaving the relevant departments in the dark. Official sources told The Express Tribune that the federal government has not issued any directives to the concerned authorities regarding the repatriation of refugees, causing confusion among them. The government set March 31 as the deadline for Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan to voluntarily return to their country. After the deadline passes, deportations will begin. Despite being responsible for Afghan refugees under federal administration, the Afghan Commissionerate has not received any official instructions from the government. Meanwhile, Afghan refugees have started winding up their businesses and preparing to leave Pakistan, a country that has hosted them for more than four decades. Some Afghans are hoping for an extension of the deadline. However, the federal government has signalled that it will not grant an extension this time, as relations with Kabul have reached an all-time low in recent months. Background Pakistan has turned down a request by the Afghan Taliban to grant an extension in the stay of Afghan refugees. Kabul has been conveyed in clear terms that Islamabad will stick to its plan for deporting all illegal and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders from April 1. In a major policy decision, Pakistan on March 7 announced that ACC holders had until March 31 to leave the country or face deportation. There are around 800,000 ACC holders in Pakistan but after March 31 they will be treated as illegal aliens. Reports were doing rounds that Pakistan was planning to evict all Afghans from the country but this was for the first time the Ministry of Interior officially confirmed the development. "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) has been implemented since 1 November 2023. In continuation to the Government's decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders," read the official handout of the ministry issued on March 7. "All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence wef [with effect from] 1 April 2025," the statement added. Pakistan said sufficient time had already been granted for a dignified return of Afghan migrants. Following issuance of this deadline, the Taliban government approached Pakistan through diplomatic channels with a request not to deport their nationals and give them more time.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan rejects Afghan plea for delaying deportations
Pakistan has turned down a request by the Afghan Taliban to grant an extension in the stay of Afghan refugees. Kabul has been conveyed in clear terms that Islamabad will stick to its plan for deporting all illegal and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders from April 1. In a major policy decision, Pakistan on March 7 announced that ACC holders had until March 31 to leave the country or face deportation. There are around 800,000 ACC holders in Pakistan but after March 31 they will be treated as illegal aliens. Reports were doing rounds that Pakistan was planning to evict all Afghans from the country but this was for the first time the Ministry of Interior officially confirmed the development. "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) has been implemented since 1 November 2023. In continuation to the Government's decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders," read the official handout of the ministry issued on March 7. "All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence wef [with effect from] 1 April 2025," the statement added. Pakistan said sufficient time had already been granted for a dignified return of Afghan migrants. Following issuance of this deadline, the Taliban government approached Pakistan through diplomatic channels with a request not to deport their nationals and give them more time. Official sources told The Express Tribune on Sunday that the Pakistani decision was final and there would be no relaxation. Sources said relevant authorities and all the four provinces have been given instructions to make appropriate arrangements for the return of Afghan refugees. Over 8,00,000 Afghans living in Pakistan illegally have been repatriated to their country since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023. Pakistan, however, had spared those who were registered with the UNHCR or had the ACC. There are around 3 million Afghans still residing in Pakistan. The Afghan government recently raised concerns about forced deportation of their nationals and alleged that mistreatment was being meted out to them. Pakistan, however, denied those charges and asked the Afghan Taliban government to create an environment in the country to encourage the dignified return of their countrymen. The move will aggravate the already tense ties between the two countries. Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan for the surge in terrorist attacks on its soil. Pakistan said Afghan nationals were increasingly involved in recent terrorist attacks. Initial investigations showed that Afghan nationals were also behind the recent terrorist attack targeting the Bannu Cantonment. Also, there were exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Torkham border crossing which has been closed since February 21. Islamabad has blamed the Afghan side for the closure of the key border crossing. The dispute arose over a new check post the Afghan side was constructing on the Pakistan territory. Sources said deportation of Afghans would take place also through the Torkham border.
Express Tribune
08-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afghan DPs given until March 31 to leave Pakistan
Police officers, along with workers from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), check the identity cards of Afghan citizens during a door-to-door search and verification drive for undocumented Afghan nationals, in an Afghan Camp on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, November 21, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/ File In a major policy decision, Pakistan on Friday gave Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders a March 31 deadline to leave the country or face deportation. Reports were doing rounds that Pakistan was planning to evict all Afghans from the country but this was for the first time the Interior Ministry officially confirmed the development. "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since November 1, 2023. In continuation of the government's decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders," read the official handout of the interior ministry. "All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before March 31, 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence wef April 1, 2025," the statement added. The interior ministry said that sufficient time had already been granted for their dignified return. "It is emphasised that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and healthcare for returning foreigners have also been put in place." "Pakistan has been a gracious host and continues to fulfill its commitments and obligations as a responsible state. It is reiterated that Individuals staying in Pakistan will have to fulfill all legal formalities and abide by Pakistan's constitution," it said. Over 80, 0000 Afghans living in Pakistan illegally were repatriated to their country since Pakistan launched the campaign in November 2023. Pakistan, however, spared those who were registered with the UNHCR and ones who had ACC. It is estimated that around 3 million Afghans still reside in Pakistan. The Afghan government recently raised concerns over the forced deportation of their nationals and alleged mistreatment being meted out to them. Pakistan, however, denied those charges and asked the Afghan Taliban government to create an environment in the country to encourage the dignified return of their countrymen. The move will add to the already tense ties between the two countries. Pakistan has blamed Afghanistan for the surge in terrorist attacks. Pakistan said Afghan nationals were increasingly involved in terrorist attacks in the country. Initial investigations showed that Afghan nationals were also behind the recent terrorist attack targeting the Bannu Cantonment. Also, there were exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Torkham border, which remained closed for two weeks. The situation, according to sources, is tense at the key border that was shut on February 21 over a dispute on the construction of a new check post by the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan blamed the Afghan side for the closure of the border. "For the past couple of days, the Afghan side has carried out an illegal and unilateral construction activity within the Pakistani territory at two points along the Pakistan border," according to the foreign office spokesperson. "Despite these provocations Pakistan has shown restrained and requested border flag meetings to resolve the matter peacefully which were eventually held. However, it's unfortunate that, alongside its illegal construction action, the Afghan side also resorted to indiscriminate fire at Torkham border terminal and our military post," he told reporters on Thursday. He said Pakistan strongly condemned these repeated provocations and actions against Torkham border terminal, which was part of integrated transit trade management system, established to promote bilateral and transit trade. "Afghan actions resulting in forced closure of the border crossing at a time of economic hardship in Afghanistan is hardly sensible and will only aggravate the situation. We therefore call upon the interim Afghan authorities to shun violence and resolve matters through peaceful means, which according to UN Charter and international law, is the most suitable method for resolving any dispute between two neighboring countries."
Voice of America
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Voice of America
Pakistan orders documented Afghan migrants to leave
Pakistan ordered all documented Afghan migrants on Friday to leave the country by March 31 or risk deportation. The directive was issued a day after the Afghan Ministry of Refugee and Repatriation Affairs urged Pakistan to slow down the expulsion of Afghans. Pakistan launched the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program in October 2023, after a dramatic rise in violence that Islamabad blamed on militants operating from Afghanistan. Friday's order called on those with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) to leave the country in the next three weeks, saying deportation of documented migrants would begin April 1. 'In continuation of the government's decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders,' the ministry said in a brief press release. 'All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025; thereafter, deportation will commence with effect from 1 April 2025.' This affects nearly 900,000 documented Afghan economic migrants residing in Pakistan. According to data from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) released Friday, more than 842,000 Afghans have left Pakistan since the expulsion drive began, including more than 40,000 deportees. 'It is highlighted that sufficient time has already been granted for their dignified return,' the Pakistani interior ministry said. In late January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government approved a plan to repatriate ACC holders but did not specify a date. Security concerns Pakistan ranks second among countries most affected by terrorism, according to the Global Terrorism Index released this week. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, emerged as the fastest-growing terrorist group in 2024, almost doubling the number of deaths attributed to it in 2023. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to TTP militants, and Islamabad alleges Afghan nationals are involved in terror attacks claimed by the TTP and its offshoots. Friday's directive to expel documented Afghan migrants followed Tuesday's twin suicide bombing of a military compound in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that killed 18, including five soldiers. The Pakistani military said that Afghan nationals were among the 16 militants killed in the attack and that it was orchestrated from Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban denied Islamabad's accusations. Arrests and detention Since the start of 2025, the UNHCR has recorded an uptick in the arrest and detention of Afghans, especially undocumented and ACC holders in the capital region, where it recorded 45 times more arrests than in January and February of 2024. The trend follows a November 2024 order by Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, calling on Afghans to leave the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, and its neighboring garrison city of Rawalpindi by the end of that year. In the first two months of this year, more than 2,600 Afghans were arrested across Pakistan. Nearly 2,300 were undocumented or ACC holders, according to the UNHCR. Close to 1,200 were arrested in Islamabad and nearby areas. In January, Pakistan deported 1,000 Afghans. Of those, more than 800, who included women and children, were rounded up from the capital and Rawalpindi. The Pakistani advocacy group Joint Action Committee for Refugees raised alarm Friday, claiming that authorities had rounded up more than 200 Afghans in the capital and nearby cities. The rights organization called the action a violation of a recent court order that restrained authorities from harassing refugees, and it urged authorities to act according to the law. 'It is emphasized that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process,' the interior ministry said. 'Arrangements for food and health care for returning foreigners have also been put in place.' The order for documented Afghans to leave takes place as Torkham, the busiest border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, remains closed after intense shelling from both sides in recent days.
