The deadline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who were given the opportunity for voluntary return, has now passed, marking the beginning of their deportation to Afghanistan.
According to the details, the voluntary repatriation deadline for individuals holding the Afghan Citizen Card ended on March 31. As of today, those with the Afghan Citizen Card will be considered illegal residents.
Following the expiry of the deadline, Afghan Citizen Card holders will be detained. Authorities have ensured that these individuals will be returned to Afghanistan in a dignified manner.
In response to this situation, temporary camps have been set up in Peshawar and Landi Kotal for Afghan Citizen Card holders.
These individuals will undergo biometric processing before being deported back to Afghanistan.
Afghan authorities have established reception and registration camps near the Torkham border to facilitate the process.
The total number of Afghan Citizen Card holders currently in Pakistan is estimated to be around 800,000. These individuals will be sent back to Afghanistan in a second phase.
Notably, the first phase of the repatriation, involving approximately 700,000 unregistered individuals, has already been completed.