Pakistan has turned down Afghanistan’s request to prolong the stay of illegal Afghan nationals
Pakistan has firmly rejected Afghanistan’s request to extend the stay of Afghan nationals living illegally in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These individuals, who were given until February 28, 2025, to leave the country, now have just seven days remaining in the twin cities before they must depart.
Sources reveal that security agencies have compiled detailed lists of illegal Afghan residents, including their exact locations and addresses, to facilitate the process. However, Afghan nationals holding documents for travel to other countries are allowed to stay until March 31, 2025, after which they too must leave Pakistan.
For those holding valid Pakistani visas, they are permitted to remain until the expiration of their visa.
Government sources highlighted that this decision to expel Afghan nationals was an unavoidable step, driven by the security concerns and the sensitivity surrounding the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
In a separate development, Pakistan also rejected claims made by the acting Afghan chargé d’affaires regarding the alleged mistreatment of Afghan refugees repatriated through the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). The Foreign Office responded, reminding Kabul of Pakistan’s longstanding tradition of hosting millions of Afghan refugees with respect and dignity, providing resources such as education and healthcare despite limited international support.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office emphasized that the repatriation process was carried out with care to ensure the safety and dignity of those returning, adding that extensive efforts had been made to engage with the Afghan side to ensure a smooth and respectful repatriation.
In response, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad had previously issued a statement condemning Pakistan’s repatriation plan, claiming that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had confirmed a final plan to expel Afghan refugees not only from Islamabad and Rawalpindi but from the entire country in the near future.
