Pakistan continues its operation against illegal migrants at full force. Since March, more than 80 thousand Afghan nationals without legal documents or Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders have been deported.

In order to stay in the country, Afghan nationals without legal documents or holding an Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) were warned to return to their country by March 31, which was later extended until April 30.

The Islamabad government has deported over 80 thousand Afghan nationals since the end of March as part of the return process that will end on April 30.

Interior Ministry Advisor Talal Chaudhry, in a press conference held in the capital Islamabad, expressed that the deadline for Afghan nationals to return is April 30 and only those with valid visas will be allowed to stay. TARGETING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Return Plan, initiated in late 2023, targets ACC holders and illegal immigrants. Tomorrow, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will engage in high-level talks in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In a statement by the Foreign Ministry, discussions will focus on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with an emphasis on security, trade, people-to-people connections, and deepening common interests.

PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS

Relations between neighboring countries have deteriorated since the Taliban came into power in 2021.

Pakistan had decided to deport Afghan nationals in 2023 following an increase in suicide attacks in the country.

Pakistan accuses Afghan nationals of involvement in attacks in the country and accuses the Taliban government in Afghanistan of harboring militants against Pakistan.

While the Taliban government denies the accusations, they state that Pakistan’s security issue is its own internal responsibility.