From Our Correspondent:
Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan has set March 31, 2025, as the deadline for illegal foreign residents and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country voluntarily, the Ministry of Interior announced.
According to the ministry, the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) has been in effect since November 1, 2023, and now the national leadership has decided to extend the policy to include Afghan Citizen Card holders.
From April 1, 2025, authorities will begin enforcement actions, including deportations. However, the ministry assured that the repatriation process would be conducted with dignity and without mistreatment.
To facilitate the returnees, the government has made arrangements for food and healthcare. Officials emphasized that Pakistan has already provided ample time for illegal residents to leave voluntarily.
“Pakistan has always been a generous host to refugees,” the ministry stated, adding that as a responsible state, Pakistan is fulfilling its obligations.
The ministry reiterated that all foreigners residing in Pakistan must comply with the country’s legal requirements and respect the Constitution.
