The federal government has ordered authorities to intensify the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals under the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, with arrests and deportations to follow for those remaining in Pakistan illegally.
The Government of Pakistan has directed authorities across the country to accelerate the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in the country without valid visas under the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP).
According to official directives, Afghan nationals who remain in Pakistan after the expiry of the government’s deadline without valid visas or legal documentation will be arrested and deported. Authorities have also warned that legal action will be taken against individuals who provide shelter or rental accommodation to undocumented Afghan nationals.
Interior Ministry Orders Tougher Enforcement
The Ministry of Interior issued fresh instructions on June 28 to provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, directing them to strengthen enforcement under the ongoing repatriation campaign.
Deputy commissioners have been instructed to use geotagging and geofencing technologies to identify, locate and arrest undocumented Afghan nationals residing in their jurisdictions.
Authorities in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, have already completed geotagging and geofencing exercises to support the operation.
Daily Progress Reports Required
Provincial administrations have also been instructed to submit daily reports to the Ministry of Interior detailing:
- The number of undocumented Afghan nationals arrested.
- Progress of the repatriation operation.
- The status of individuals taken into custody.
The reporting system is intended to ensure close monitoring of enforcement activities nationwide.
July 10 Deadline Expired
Pakistan had set July 10 as the final deadline for undocumented Afghan nationals to leave the country voluntarily.
Following the deadline, authorities are now moving into the enforcement phase of the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan.
Over One Million Repatriated Since 2023
Pakistan launched its nationwide campaign against undocumented foreign nationals in 2023 and expanded it in 2025 after revoking hundreds of thousands of residence permits previously issued to Afghan nationals.
According to official figures presented before a Senate committee, more than one million Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Pakistan since the campaign began.
The government says the repatriation drive aims to ensure that all foreign nationals residing in Pakistan comply with immigration and visa laws while strengthening border management and national security.
