Islamabad: In response to a decision by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior to enforce an “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan,” UN agencies have compiled data on the arrest, detention, and deportation of Afghan nationals, including those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) and Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), as well as undocumented individuals. The plan, enacted on September 26, 2023, aims to manage the return of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, with movements being closely monitored at key border crossings such as Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Chaman, Badini, and Bahramcha.

According to the UNHCR-IOM Pakistan Flash Update #88, the government of Pakistan has issued several directives affecting Afghan nationals. In January 2025, the government announced that Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad Capital Territory and Rawalpindi must relocate or face deportation. This was followed by an April announcement targeting ACC holders and undocumented Afghans as part of the second phase of the repatriation plan. A statutory regulation order in July mandated the repatriation of PoR cardholders upon the expiration of their cards on June 30, with a deadline set for September 1 to leave the country. The UNHCR has expressed concern over these measures, urging the Pakistani government to exempt Afghans needing international protection or those in vulnerable circumstances from forced return.