As per officials speaking to The News, illegal Afghan immigrants residing in Pakistan have commenced their departure from the country in response to Islamabad’s ultimatum, setting a deadline of November 1 for them to leave.
Border officials have confirmed that over 30 families, totaling approximately 1,000 individuals, have initiated their journey back to war-torn Afghanistan following the announcement by Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti. He had made it clear that action would be taken against those staying illegally in Pakistan.
To assist these returnees, authorities have designated a parking area at the Torkham border, with staff deployed to facilitate their registration and other requirements.
Reports suggest that Afghan families residing in various cities across Pakistan have proactively begun their departure to avoid potential arrests and other legal consequences associated with their illegal residency.
One individual, Baryalay Hasrat, hailing from Laghman province in Afghanistan, shared with The News that his family of nine members had been living in Nowshera for the past two decades. Despite possessing Afghan Citizen cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), they have chosen to return to Afghanistan due to better economic and security conditions in their home country. Hasrat encouraged fellow Afghans to contemplate leaving Pakistan, citing difficulties related to utility bills, a lack of stable job opportunities, and business prospects.
In addition to returning, the Afghan citizens have expressed the need for financial assistance to help them rebuild their houses and reestablish their livelihoods in Afghanistan.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan had previously called on all illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily by October 30, warning of arrests and deportations after the deadline’s expiration. However, many Afghan citizens living in various Pakistani cities had requested flexibility, raising concerns about their children’s education, particularly girls’ education in Afghanistan, where the Taliban had banned girls from attending school.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has clarified that Pakistan’s policy on Afghan refugees remains unchanged, and the recent decision to regulate illegal aliens living in the country is not targeted against Afghan refugees. Instead, it pertains to illegal migrants living in Pakistan, including those who are overstaying their visas or lack valid documentation.
The Foreign Office has emphasized that diplomatic efforts will continue to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan. As for the repatriation of illegal immigrants, the laws of Pakistan will be upheld, and the process will proceed in an orderly manner based on the number of illegal immigrants and the arrangements for their return to their respective countries.
The recent high-level meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Tibet reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on addressing challenges to regional peace and stability.
Interim Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Pakistan for further discussions, and both countries will continue their diplomatic engagement to ensure the safe return of refugees.
Regarding the recent statement by acting Defense Minister of Afghanistan Mullah Yaqub, characterizing Pakistan’s decision as “inhumane and barbaric,” Pakistani sources have pointed out a lack of reason in his statement.
Yaqub had urged Pakistani religious scholars and the international community to intervene and persuade Pakistan to reconsider its decision, expressing concerns about the potential creation of tensions between the two countries. He also requested Afghan investors living in Pakistan to transfer their investments to Afghanistan to help rebuild the Afghan economy.
This development remains significant, and the situation will likely continue to evolve in the coming days.
