On Sunday, Pakistan rejected a request from the Taliban. Afghanistan had asked for an extension regarding the time allowed for its refugees, but Islamabad declined.
The country intends to deport all illegal Afghan residents and holders of the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) starting on April 1. As a result, tensions between the two neighboring countries are escalating.
On March 7, Pakistan set a firm deadline. Around 800,000 ACC holders must leave by March 31 or face deportation. The Ministry of Interior confirmed this move. The statement warned that “all illegal foreigners and ACC holders should exit voluntarily. ” After that, deportations begin April 1.
Pakistan launched its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program in November 2023. Since then, over 800,000 undocumented Afghans have returned home. Now, ACC holders join the list. The government insists it’s given enough time for a dignified exit. Provinces are gearing up to enforce the Pakistan Afghan deportation policy.
Read: Torkham Border Talks Stall as Pakistan and Afghanistan Fail to Agree
The Taliban urged Pakistan to halt the deportations. They claimed mistreatment of their nationals. Pakistan denied this and urged Afghanistan to improve conditions at home. About 3 million Afghans still live in Pakistan. The April 1 deadline could strain ties further.
Pakistan blames Afghanistan for recent terror attacks. Afghan nationals allegedly played roles, including in the Bannu Cantonment strike. Clashes at the Torkham border, closed since February 21, add to the friction. A new Afghan checkpost sparked the dispute. Deportations will use this crossing too.
