The Federal government announced has that it will begin deporting all illegal foreigners and individuals holding Afghan Citizen Certificate (ACC) cards, starting April 1, 2025.

A statement from the Ministry of Interior urged all ACC holders to leave the country voluntarily before the March 31, 2025 deadline. The government emphasized that sufficient time has been provided for a dignified return and that all those leaving will receive assistance with food and healthcare.

“Pakistan has a long history of being a gracious host,” a ministry spokesperson stated. “However, all individuals residing in Pakistan must adhere to the country’s laws and constitution.”

The spokesperson reiterated that the government is committed to fulfilling its international obligations as a responsible state. The deportation process, the spokesperson added, will be conducted humanely and with respect for the rights of those being repatriated.

The federal government had launched the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP), on November 1, 2023. According to the program, foreign citizens living in the country illegally, including Afghan citizens, would be deported in phases. Since the announcement, over 800,000 Afghans have already been sent home.

However, the government is now planning to start repatriating Afghan citizens holding ACC as well. A deadline for Proof of Registration (PRR) holders to leave the country has been set at June 30.

In February, the Afghan Embassy in Pakistan had claimed that its refugees were being subjected to searches and arrests from authorities and were being forcibly removed from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

In response, the Foreign Office had said that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees with dignity for decades and allegations of mistreatment were unfounded. It had also called upon the Afghan Interim Government to make sure the refugees are properly integrated into society.

Meanwhile, several refugees awaiting resettlement in other countries are also likely to be sent back under this plan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had recently said that if western countries refuse to accept refugees as promised, Pakistan will be forced to repatriate them. His comments came after US President Donald Trump scrapped the refugee resettlement plan.