Immigration – Pakistan Orders Immediate Arrest of Undocumented Afghan Nationals From July 10
Immigration – Pakistan has announced a stricter enforcement policy targeting Afghan nationals living in the country without valid travel documents, with authorities directed to begin immediate arrests from July 10 as part of an expanded immigration crackdown.
Government Issues Fresh Enforcement Directive
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has instructed authorities across the country to take immediate action against Afghan citizens who remain in the country without a valid visa after July 10. The directive was circulated on Sunday to provincial chief secretaries, inspectors general of police, and the Islamabad administration, calling for uniform implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP).
The order emphasizes that officials at every administrative level must ensure the policy is enforced consistently and without delay.
Repatriation Drive to Accelerate
According to the official notification, the decision follows a high-level review meeting held on June 1, during which provincial governments, special area administrations, and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration were instructed to speed up the identification, repatriation, and deportation of Afghan nationals, including individuals whose visas have expired.
Authorities have now been directed to begin immediate arrests of any Afghan citizen found staying in Pakistan without legal documentation once the new enforcement date comes into effect.
District Officials Directed to Ensure Compliance
The Interior Ministry has also instructed provincial administrations to pass the directive to deputy commissioners, district administrations, police departments, and other law enforcement agencies. Officials have been asked to coordinate closely so that the policy is applied in the same manner across all provinces and administrative regions.
In addition, the ministry has introduced a daily reporting system beginning July 11. Every province and relevant authority will be required to submit updates detailing the number of undocumented Afghan nationals identified, the legal action taken, and their current status under the repatriation process.
The notification states that the matter should receive the highest administrative priority and that all concerned authorities must ensure complete compliance with the government’s instructions.
Pakistan Continues Long-Term Refugee Management Effort
Pakistan has been one of the world’s largest hosts of Afghan refugees for more than four decades. Millions crossed the border during successive periods of conflict in Afghanistan, seeking safety and long-term shelter.
The refugee population increased further after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, leading hundreds of thousands of additional Afghans to enter Pakistan in search of protection and stability.
Large-Scale Deportations Already Underway
The latest directive forms part of Pakistan’s broader campaign to regulate undocumented foreign residents and strengthen immigration enforcement. Official figures cited in recent reports indicate that more than 1.15 million Afghan nationals were deported from Pakistan during 2025 as authorities expanded the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.
With the July 10 deadline approaching, government agencies have been instructed to intensify preparations for the next phase of the enforcement campaign while maintaining daily oversight of operations across the country.