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ISLAMABAD, Apr 07 (Alliance News): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has formed eight teams across Punjab to speed up the repatriation of Afghan refugees in line with the federal government’s decision to deport all illegal foreign nationals.
Five teams have been deployed in Lahore, while three will operate in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Kasur.
According to an FIA spokesperson, the Lahore operation will be led by Assistant Director Sajid Amin, while Imran Bhatti and Babar Shaharyar will oversee operations in Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib, respectively. Assistant Director Immigration Rana Bilal will supervise the drive in Kasur.
Afghan citizens detained under the drive will initially be held at designated shelters in Lahore, including Thokar Niaz Baig, Railway Station, Data Darbar, Sabzi Mandi, and Lari Adda. These holding centres will facilitate the identification and safe repatriation of refugees back to Afghanistan.
The move comes after the March 31 deadline set by the federal government for the voluntary return of all illegal Afghan nationals, including those possessing Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC).
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for nearly five decades, but rising security concerns and border management issues have pushed the government to take firm steps.
Over 4,000 Deportations from Punjab So Far
So far, at least 4,111 individuals living illegally in Punjab have been deported, while more than 5,950 people have been transferred to holding centres, according to the Punjab Police spokesperson. Out of these, 1,839 are still awaiting deportation.
The province has established 46 holding centres, with five located in Lahore alone, to manage the repatriation process efficiently. Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar reaffirmed the government’s resolve, stating that “all illegal immigrants will be sent back at all costs.”
IGP Anwar also emphasized that the process is being carried out in accordance with international human rights principles. He instructed city police officers and regional and district police chiefs to speed up mapping, scanning, and screening to ensure the swift and fair removal of illegal foreigners.
Four Categories of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
According to the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), the total number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is around three million. These refugees fall into four categories:
1. PoR Card Holders (1.3 million):
These Afghan nationals fled instability decades ago and were officially granted refugee status by Pakistan. They hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards issued in 2007 and renewed periodically. The current cards are valid until June 30, 2025.
2. ACC Holders (800,000):
These individuals were given Afghan Citizen Cards in 2016 but do not qualify as legal refugees under Pakistani law anymore. The government has started deporting them under the new crackdown.
3. Post-2021 Asylum Seekers (200,000 officially registered):
Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, many Afghans fled to Pakistan seeking asylum. Although the Pakistani government estimated 600,000 arrivals, the UNHCR has confirmed only 200,000 registered as asylum seekers.
4. Undocumented Afghans:
This group includes those without PoR or ACC documentation. Many in this category have lived in Pakistan for years, married local citizens, and even obtained fake Pakistani identity cards. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has been actively cancelling such fraudulent identities through a nationwide verification campaign.
Policy Shift Driven by Security Concerns
The repatriation drive is largely motivated by growing national security concerns. Officials have linked some rising incidents of terrorism in Pakistan to undocumented individuals and unregulated border crossings, prompting the government to adopt a stricter stance.
While Pakistan has been praised for its hospitality over the past decades, authorities now stress the need for a regulated and documented refugee system to prevent misuse of identity documents and protect national interests.
Despite criticism from some international human rights groups, officials maintain that the deportation policy is being implemented with compassion and due diligence, especially for women, children, and those seeking legitimate asylum under international protocols.
Looking Ahead
The government aims to complete the repatriation process for all undocumented and ACC-holding Afghans within 2024. PoR card holders are currently exempt from deportation until their card expiry next year, but future policy shifts may change that as well.
With law enforcement agencies, immigration officials, and provincial administrations coordinating efforts, the repatriation campaign is set to become one of the largest in Pakistan’s recent history.
