Pakistan Prepares to Send Afghan Citizens Back: 31 March Deadline Looms
The Pakistani government is in the final stages of preparations to repatriate both legal and illegal Afghan citizens. Afghan refugees have been given the option to voluntarily return to Afghanistan by 31 March, leaving them with just 9 days to comply.
According to media reports, the Sindh government has developed a plan to expel Afghan nationals who do not leave voluntarily. Following the federal government’s directives, the provincial authorities have activated committees at the division and district levels, and established holding points for the refugees.
Reports indicate that Afghan nationals who are incarcerated for criminal activities and have served their sentences will also be brought to these holding points.
The Pakistani government’s stance is that Afghan refugees have been providing shelter to individuals involved in terrorism, which has fueled the necessity to send them back. In a recent interview, Prime Minister’s advisor Rana Sanaullah mentioned that the consequences of terrorism within Pakistan often fall upon the Afghan refugees, who are believed to be harboring criminals.
The deadline for Afghan nationals to leave Pakistan is fast approaching, and the government is moving ahead with plans to ensure the timely repatriation of all Afghan citizens.
