On March 7, 2025, Pakistan’s government unveiled plans to repatriate Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders under its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP), launched November 1, 2023.
Authorities gave ACC holders until March 31 to exit voluntarily, with deportations kicking off April 1 for non-compliers. Officials say the Pakistan ACC Repatriation push aims for a “humane and dignified” process.
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has ordered all "illegal foreigners" and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country by March 31.
In a statement issued today (Friday, March 7), the ministry warned that those who fail to leave will be deported starting from April 1 of… pic.twitter.com/tS84gs9oWQ
— TOLOnews English (@TOLONewsEnglish) March 7, 2025“Plenty of time’s been given for voluntary returns,” the government stated, promising food and healthcare for those leaving.
Read: Torkham Border Talks Stall as Pakistan and Afghanistan Fail to Agree
The IFRP targets all undocumented foreigners, including Afghans, but spares ACC holders with pending European or foreign sponsorships for now. “If resettlement drags, they’re next,” Ministry of Interior sources warned. So far, 781 Afghans have crossed back via Torkham from Islamabad, marking steady progress.
#Pakistan decision on Afghan refugees: Ministry of Interior says #Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) Holders to leave Pakistan by March 31, 2025. The Interior Ministry issued this statement.
“Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since 1 November 2023. In… pic.twitter.com/nylawzcEyn
— Tahir Khan (@taahir_khan) March 7, 2025Pakistan, a longtime refuge for Afghans, stresses legal compliance. “Stay if you meet the rules and respect our constitution,” officials urged. The Pakistan ACC Repatriation effort reflects a firm line—hospitality holds only for the documented. With April 1 looming, the clock’s ticking for thousands facing a dignified exit or forced return. The Pakistan ACC Repatriation March 31 cutoff, April 1 deportations stirs border tension.
