ISLAMABAD: Following the federal government’s large-scale deportation operation launched on April 3, the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and other undocumented Afghan nationals through the Torkham border is currently underway.
According to the Home and Tribal Affairs Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), a total of 350 Afghan families were repatriated on Friday alone. This included 155 families from Gujrat and 195 from Sargodha, who traveled directly from Punjab and were sent back to Afghanistan after completing the necessary immigration formalities.
On Saturday, an additional 173 undocumented individuals—comprising 142 families from Faisalabad and 31 from Hafizabad—were also deported via Torkham.
Immigration officials stationed at Torkham, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that all deported families had arrived from Punjab and were processed at the border before being allowed to cross.
The federal government had initially set March 31 as the deadline for the repatriation of undocumented Afghan migrants and ACC holders. However, the formal process began on April 3 due to the Eidul Fitr holidays. Many affected Afghan nationals have voiced frustration over the sudden enforcement of the deportation order, citing disruptions to their livelihoods and children’s education.
Despite repeated requests from Afghan authorities to reconsider the decision and extend the deadline, Pakistan has refused to revise its stance.
Several deportees expressed concern over the abrupt timeline, urging authorities to allow more time to manage their properties and belongings before returning to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, a National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) official confirmed that a holding centre established in Landi Kotal is expected to become operational next week to support the ongoing repatriation process and accommodate a larger number of Afghan families.
In Islamabad, authorities have intensified their efforts. On Friday, police launched a crackdown on Afghan migrants residing in informal settlements in Sector F-12. Dozens were detained and transferred to the Haji Camp, a temporary holding centre set up for deportation processing.
