Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to accelerate the repatriation of Afghan citizens holding Afghan Citizen Cards. 

The meeting comes as the second phase of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP), launched in November 2023, nears its March 31 deadline for voluntary departures.

Naqvi emphasized ongoing collaboration between the federal and provincial governments, assuring full federal support for provincial repatriation efforts.  A new committee, formed following recommendations from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, will further streamline the process. 

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry will conduct provincial visits to address any emerging challenges. Naqvi also stressed the importance of respectful treatment for all departing individuals.

The meeting, attended by senior officials including provincial Chief Secretaries and Inspectors General, the FIA Director General, and representatives from various ministries and security agencies, reviewed the repatriation preparations. 

Authorities reported that all necessary arrangements are in place, including a comprehensive door-to-door awareness campaign, finalized mapping of Afghan Citizen Card holders, and the establishment of holding centres with adequate food and healthcare provisions.

Since November 2023, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees have left Pakistan for their home country after the government’s repatriation program. The repatriation has included refugees holding ACC and POR cards.