RASC News Agency: The Express Tribune reported on Monday that Pakistani authorities have rejected a formal request from the Taliban administration to extend the stay of Afghanistani refugees in Pakistan. Islamabad has reaffirmed its commitment to the expulsion of undocumented Afghanistani migrants and those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) after April 1, 2025. Citing sources within the Pakistani government, the Express Tribune revealed on March 17, that following Islamabad’s decision on March 7, to proceed with mass deportations, the Taliban regime engaged in diplomatic efforts to persuade Pakistan to reconsider the timeline and grant Afghanistani refugees an extended grace period.
However, according to a senior Pakistani official, the government has unequivocally dismissed the Taliban’s request, emphasizing that its decision to expel undocumented Afghanistani refugees and ACC cardholders remains final and irreversible. The official further stated that Pakistan’s federal government has instructed local administrations across all four provinces to implement logistical preparations for the refugees’ repatriation. Islamabad had previously declared on March 7 that Afghanistani migrants without valid residency documents, as well as those holding ACC cards, must leave the country by March 31, 2025.
Additionally, Pakistani authorities have warned that any individuals failing to comply with the deadline will be subject to forced deportation. While the exact number of undocumented Afghanistani refugees in Pakistan remains uncertain, government estimates suggest that approximately 800,000 Afghanistani migrants currently reside in the country under ACC status. For decades, the ACC card has served as an identification document for Afghanistani migrants in Pakistan. It differs from the Proof of Registration (PoR) card, which is exclusively issued to Afghanistani refugees formally recognized by the United Nations.
