Pakistan Repeats Call for Afghan Nationals’ Exit

Download IPFS

Pakistan has renewed its directive for undocumented Afghan nationals to leave the country, with officials in Quetta confirming that a fresh order was issued on Friday in the southwestern region. The latest call has prompted thousands of Afghans to gather at border crossings in an effort to comply with the government’s instructions. The development is part of Islamabad’s ongoing campaign to address security and economic concerns related to illegal migration.

Over the past four decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees fleeing conflict, beginning with the Soviet invasion in 1979 and continuing through periods of civil unrest and the return of the Taliban-led government in 2021. While many of these individuals initially entered the country under international refugee protocols, a large number now reside in Pakistan without formal documentation. This presents ongoing logistical and policy challenges for border regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The government has stated that its repatriation initiative is driven by national security priorities and the financial strain caused by unregulated migration. According to the Ministry of Interior, the process focuses on individuals without legal status and is being carried out in coordination with both federal and provincial authorities. While some groups have raised humanitarian concerns, officials emphasise that Pakistan has provided long-standing support to Afghan nationals and now aims to regularise migration while maintaining law and order.

A senior border official told local media that authorities are closely monitoring the current round of departures to ensure the process remains orderly and avoids escalation. Security agencies have reportedly been tasked with overseeing key crossing points during this phase of the operation.

This renewed effort highlights Pakistan’s approach to strengthening oversight of immigration through structured repatriation. While international organisations have urged for a more lenient stance, officials maintain that the current measures are necessary for stability and governance. As more Afghans prepare to return to their country, Islamabad appears committed to implementing immigration policies that reflect both domestic priorities and broader regional developments.