ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson confirmed on Thursday the government would not extend its March 31 deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, despite concerns raised by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) over forced deportations.
In March, Islamabad set a deadline for Afghans with ACCs, a specific immigration document to leave the country. This move is part of a broader effort by Pakistan, initiated in 2023, to expel what it deems illegal immigrants amid an uptick in militant attacks.
A government official, speaking anonymously, said the deadline had been extended until early next week to coincide with the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. However, Shafqat Ali Khan, the foreign office spokesperson, clarified that there would be no extension beyond March 31 for illegal foreign nationals or Afghan ACC holders.
According to the United Nations, over 800,000 Afghans currently hold ACCs issued by Pakistani authorities.
The approximately 1.3 million Afghans who possess UN-issued Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, which are valid until June 30, are not part of the expulsion plan. However, reports suggest that some of these individuals are being relocated from Islamabad to Rawalpindi
The UN estimates that nearly three million Afghans reside in Pakistan, many having fled decades of conflict in their home country or sought refuge following the Taliban’s return to power.
