ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will begin the voluntary repatriation of around 1.4 million Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards from September 1, 2025, the country’s Ministry of Interior said, as part of the ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreigners.
In a notification, the ministry said the repatriation is part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), which was first launched in 2023 and intensified earlier this year.
The statement added that while voluntary return would commence with immediate effect, the formal deportation process for PoR card holders would begin in September.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of government and security officials, citing national security concerns and growing pressure on public resources, Radio Pakistan reported.
The ministry noted that Afghan nationals would be encouraged to return voluntarily in the initial phase, but deportations would follow for those remaining beyond the deadline.
As part of the implementation strategy, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will cancel the registration of Afghans at border terminals, while the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will provide assistance at designated crossing points.
Transit areas will be established and financial aid will be offered to deportees. The government will monitor daily progress through its Foreign National Security Dashboard, the interior ministry said.
Pakistan currently hosts an estimated 3 million Afghan nationals, including approximately 1.4 million PoR card holders and 800,000 people with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC).
The Ministry of Interior stated, “Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards shall be repatriated to Afghanistan as part of the ongoing implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said over 1 million Afghans have left Pakistan since the repatriation drive began in 2023, including 200,000 since April 2025 alone.
The Pakistani government maintains that the policy is driven by security concerns.
In 2023, Pakistan saw the highest number of terror-related deaths in a decade, and officials say Afghan nationals have been linked to several attacks.
Islamabad has also criticised the Taliban administration in Kabul for failing to curb cross-border militant activity.
