RASC News Agency: The Pakistani government has reaffirmed that the deadline for Afghanistani refugees to leave the country is final and non-negotiable. In an official statement, Pakistani authorities stressed that this is the last opportunity for refugees to voluntarily depart before forced deportations commence. Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated during a press briefing that the expulsion deadline will not be extended under any circumstances. He stated that holders of the Afghanistani Citizenship Card (ACC) must leave Pakistani soil by March 31.
“Pakistan remains firm in its decision,” he emphasized, adding that the government has repeatedly issued warnings, yet many refugees have disregarded them. Pakistan has already begun forcibly deporting Afghanistani refugees, and Shafqat Ali Khan’s remarks come at a time when the Taliban have been lobbying through diplomatic channels to halt the expulsions and secure an extension. However, Islamabad appears to have dismissed these requests and remains committed to enforcing the policy.
The Pakistani authorities have made it clear that refugees must leave by the designated deadline, with no room for negotiation. This move comes amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, largely fueled by security concerns and mutual accusations regarding support for insurgent groups. The Taliban perceive this mass deportation as a political pressure tactic by Pakistan to assert leverage over Kabul. Meanwhile, Pakistan has continued to accuse the Taliban of harboring anti-Pakistani militants, particularly Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation that has further strained relations between the two sides.
