Peshawar. Security cell asks for details amid ongoing repatriation drive
Amid the ongoing repatriation drive, the federal interior ministry has sought record of Afghan students enrolled in educational institutions across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
According to sources, the ministry’s security cell has sent an official letter to the provincial home secretary, directing him to submit details of all Afghan students by March 27.
The letter states that the Foreign National Security Cell is updating its foreign nationals’ database and requires the information for this purpose.
The request comes as the government intensifies its repatriation campaign against illegal foreign residents and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders.
The deadline for their departure is seven days away, with Pakistan having already deported over 876,000 undocumented Afghan nationals.
The repatriation process remains ongoing.
The federal government has set March 31 as the final deadline for illegal Afghan nationals to leave the country, assuring that no mistreatment will occur during the process.
Authorities have also completed arrangements for food and healthcare facilities for those returning to Afghanistan.
Officials have warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who fail to leave Pakistan after the deadline.
The federal government’s decision follows its earlier directives mandating the departure of all illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, by March 31.
Previously, the interim Afghan Taliban-led administration in Kabul had appealed to Islamabad for an extension allowing undocumented Afghan residents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to stay longer.
However, Pakistan rejected this request.
Afghan nationals who possess valid travel documents for relocation to another country are permitted to remain in Pakistan until March 31. After this deadline, they too must leave.
Those holding a valid Pakistani visa can continue their stay for the duration specified on their visa.
Reports have indicated that the government is of the view that the expulsion of Afghan nationals has become unavoidable due to security concerns and the sensitivity of the twin cities.
According to statistics released by the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees (CCAR) in February, Pakistan is home to approximately 2.9 million Afghan refugees. Of these, 1.4 million are registered, while 0.7 million remain undocumented.
News published in the Express Tribune on 26th March 2024
