The second phase of repatriating Afghan refugees officially starts today (Thursday), following the expiration of the government’s deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to voluntarily leave the country.
The Pakistani government set March 31 as the final date for ACC holders to return to Afghanistan, and despite international calls to extend the deadline, the government remained firm on its stance. However, recognizing the significance of Eidul Fitr, the provincial government extended the deadline to April 2.
“While the official deadline was March 31, the provincial government allowed a two-day extension due to Eid. Now, phase 2 of the repatriation process will commence today, with camps set up at Landi Kotal and Nasir Bagh Road,” a senior official from the Afghan Commissionerate in Peshawar told Dawn.
The temporary relaxation sparked confusion, as some reports indicated an extension of the deadline until next week. AFP suggested the deadline had been moved to April 10 due to Eid holidays, and the Associated Press reported that deportations and arrests had been suspended until then. Some sources in law enforcement also hinted at a quiet extension, but an interior ministry official denied any such extension.
According to official data, over 69,000 Afghan families, totaling nearly 473,400 individuals, have been repatriated to Afghanistan since September 2023. The UNHCR, however, expressed concern about the potential risks to Afghan Citizen Cardholders who might require international protection. UNHCR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi urged the Pakistani government to view the situation through a humanitarian lens, calling for dignified and voluntary returns.
Afghan Refugee Minister Mawlavi Abdul Kabir also emphasized the importance of humane treatment for refugees, especially considering reports of mistreatment, including deportation of individuals holding valid visas. The Afghan government has reiterated its plea for voluntary repatriation and urged Pakistan and Iran to cease forced deportations.
