Pakistan Begins Repatriation of Undocumented Afghan Nationals from Islamabad

Islamabad – Pakistan has initiated the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, deporting 781 individuals through the Torkham border crossing as part of its ongoing efforts to manage its Afghan refugee population. The move was announced by Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, who also revealed plans to address the status of Afghan migrants seeking passage to European countries through diplomatic channels.

Naqvi emphasized that Afghan nationals attempting to migrate to Europe or other countries will not be sent back to Afghanistan. Instead, their cases will be handled through discussions between Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant destination countries. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will raise these cases with the concerned countries,” said Naqvi, clarifying that this initiative differentiates between undocumented residents and those seeking onward migration.

This repatriation effort is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to address the long-standing presence of Afghan refugees in the country. Pakistan has been home to millions of Afghan nationals for over four decades, beginning with an influx of refugees following the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The country has since remained one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations.

The deportation process is being carried out at Torkham, a key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, ensuring that the repatriation of unauthorized Afghan residents is carried out through established mechanisms.

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Pakistan’s initiative reflects its commitment to regulating the status of Afghan refugees and addressing the challenges associated with their presence in the country.