The deadline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who were offered the chance for voluntary repatriation, has passed, marking the start of their deportation to Afghanistan.
The voluntary return period for those holding the Afghan Citizen Card ended on March 31, and as of now, anyone with the card is considered an illegal resident in Pakistan.
Read more: Afghan Women Shift from Burqa to Abaya Amid Taliban Restrictions
Following the expiration of the deadline, Afghan Citizen Card holders will face detention and subsequent deportation. Authorities have pledged to ensure a respectful and dignified return for these individuals.
To facilitate the process, temporary camps have been established in Peshawar and Landi Kotal where Afghan Citizen Card holders will undergo biometric processing before their deportation.
Additionally, Afghan authorities have set up reception and registration camps near the Torkham border to streamline the return process.
An estimated 800,000 Afghan Citizen Card holders are currently in Pakistan and will be deported in a second phase, while the first phase, involving around 700,000 unregistered individuals, has already been completed.
A representative from the Afghan Ministry of Refugees stated that the deportation process is now underway, with efforts being made to ensure a smooth and respectful repatriation for the Afghan refugees.
