Manan Mandokhail:
The Government of Pakistan has accelerated the repatriation process of undocumented Afghan refugees, with Balochistan authorities reporting the deportation of 431 individuals in a single day.
According to Quetta Deputy Commissioner Meherullah Badini, the grace period previously granted to holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards has now officially ended. As a result, authorities have launched a phased crackdown against those staying illegally in the country.
DC Badini told Quetta Voice that 67 Afghan nationals were detained on the previous day, while another 200 were taken into custody today. He confirmed that legal procedures for their deportation are currently underway.
“The identification and arrest of undocumented refugees will continue in phases,” he said, adding that the district administration and security agencies are working in close coordination to ensure that the process remains within legal bounds.
While emphasizing the government’s commitment to a humane policy, Badini clarified that illegal residence will no longer be tolerated.
The ongoing operation comes amid growing public and political pressure to regulate undocumented populations, particularly in border provinces like Balochistan, where the burden on public services has intensified.
