By Ata Ur Rahmen 
Afghan Deportation Pakistan: Crackdown Intensifies in Rawalpindi
Pakistan’s continuing Afghan deportation campaign has led to the repatriation of nearly 3,942 illegal Afghan nationals from Rawalpindi over the first ten months of this year. The operation, part of the federal Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), targets individuals residing in the country without proper documentation or valid visas.
According to official data, 2,817 Afghan citizens were deported after being found without legal travel documents, while 232 individuals were removed following the expiration of their visas. Authorities also confirmed the return of 22 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, whose cases were reviewed and processed under the repatriation framework.
Thousands Detained and Verified During the Crackdown
The documentation reveals that more than 5,154 Afghan nationals were detained across Rawalpindi during the verification process. Out of these detainees, 1,027 individuals were later released after confirming their legal status under Pakistan’s immigration law.
Detailed records identified 665 individuals holding valid Afghan Citizen Cards and 1,394 with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards issued previously through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). However, 185 Afghans remain in detention at local holding centers while additional checks are being carried out to confirm their documentation. Officials emphasized that anyone failing verification will be processed for deportation according to national law.
These verification drives are designed not only to repatriate illegal immigrants but also to safeguard those possessing valid refugee registration, ensuring that legitimate refugees are not wrongfully deported.
Enforcement Under National Immigration Policy
The Afghan deportation Pakistan drive is a key component of Islamabad’s enforcement of the 2025 Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, a nationwide initiative introduced to regulate non-nationals residing illegally. The Ministry of Interior has reiterated that the repatriation process is being implemented systematically across all provinces — especially Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
Security authorities in Rawalpindi confirmed that coordination between law enforcement agencies, the district administration, and the immigration department has been strengthened to monitor, detain, and process undocumented foreigners in compliance with legal standards.
An interior ministry official clarified: “Our aim is to uphold the rule of law. This policy applies to all undocumented foreigners in Pakistan, not just Afghan nationals.”
Regional Context and Government Stance
Pakistan’s decision to continue the Afghan deportation program stems from concerns over illegal migration, economic strain, and border security following the volatile situation in Afghanistan. Islamabad has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades — one of the world’s largest refugee populations. However, officials argue that undocumented migration poses administrative and security challenges.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the operation aligns with both Pakistan’s domestic law and international obligations. “We continue to respect all humanitarian agreements and facilitate voluntary return for those willing to go back to Afghanistan,” the official said.
Pakistan’s National Action Plan (NAP) for internal security includes measures to strengthen border management and immigration control. The Rawalpindi operation is considered part of that broader national policy framework.
International and Humanitarian Concerns
The Afghan deportation Pakistan campaign has drawn close attention from international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Both agencies have urged Pakistan to ensure safe and dignified returns, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and those at risk of persecution.
Human rights observers have highlighted the logistical pressures surrounding repatriation, calling for improved screening and coordination between Pakistani and Afghan authorities. UN experts warned in August 2025 that sudden deportations could create additional humanitarian challenges for returnees, many of whom lack housing or employment opportunities in Afghanistan.
Pakistan, however, maintains that its approach remains lawful, citing ongoing collaboration with aid agencies to manage border crossings and facilitate post-return assistance.
Verification Centers and Legal Process
Authorities in Punjab have established specialized holding centers to verify the credentials of detained Afghans. These centers cross-check database entries from NADRA, UNHCR, and the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) before determining next steps. The verification process often includes biometric validation, interviews, and document examination to ensure accuracy.
Individuals found carrying Accredited Proof of Registration (PoR) or Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) are typically exempted from immediate deportation pending policy review. Meanwhile, those lacking legal identification are deported through coordinated border operations via the Torkham and Chaman crossing points.
Officials have reaffirmed that the crackdown will proceed uniformly under due process, maintaining transparency and rule of law.
Repatriation to Continue Nationwide
The Afghan deportation Pakistan policy is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with provincial governments instructed to maintain regular checks on illegal residents. Security agencies have been tasked with monitoring urban centers where large foreign populations reside.
Officials confirmed that voluntary return remains the preferred option for undocumented Afghans, who have been encouraged to report to verification centers before facing detention. The government aims to conclude nationwide verification by early next year, after which stricter enforcement measures may follow.
The repatriation campaign reflects Pakistan’s evolving approach to refugee management — seeking a balance between domestic security concerns and humanitarian responsibilities.
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