45 Minutes to Pack up a Lifetime as Pakistan's Foreigner Crackdown Sends Afghans Scrambling
- Pakistan launched a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal foreigners, including Afghans, starting in October 2023 across the country.
- The crackdown came after Pakistan issued multiple deadlines in recent months requiring Afghans to leave voluntarily amid accusations that militants were organizing attacks from across the border.
- Since October 2023, more than 1.1 million undocumented individuals have been returned to their home countries as part of the ongoing repatriation initiative, with 216,103 deportations carried out since April 1, 2025.
- The Ministry of Interior urged all undocumented foreigners to depart willingly, warning of harsh penalties for non-compliance, while assuring that special attention is being given to the needs of vulnerable groups such as females, young ones, and senior citizens during the repatriation process.
- The ongoing campaign suggests Pakistan aims to expel up to 3 million Afghans this year, impacting refugee demographics and regional migration dynamics.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Pakistan's Stern Warning Spurs Afghan Repatriation
Pakistan urges Afghan citizens and illegal foreigners to exit voluntarily, highlighting a dignified repatriation with essential services. The ongoing deportation drive follows the deadline for Afghan Citizen Card holders and has resulted in the return of over a million individuals. Legal consequences are set for non-compliance.

45 minutes to pack up a lifetime as Pakistan's foreigner crackdown sends Afghans scrambling
A Pakistani crackdown on Afghans has seen some families handed deadlines of hours, or just minutes, to collect whatever they can and leave forever.
Afghan citizens, illegal foreigners warned by Pakistan to voluntarily leave country
“Dignified treatment is being ensured for those returning to their home countries,” a statement by the Interior Ministry said, adding that arrangements have been made for their food and healthcare needs, particularly for women, children, and the elderly
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