Pakistan has intensified its nationwide crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals following the expiration of the government’s deadline, with law enforcement agencies beginning arrests of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders.
According to police sources, authorities have launched operations across multiple areas, detaining more than 50 Afghan nationals holding Afghan Citizen Cards. The detainees have been shifted to designated holding camps, where officials are completing the necessary procedures before their deportation to Afghanistan.
Sources said all Afghan Citizen Card holders taken into custody will be repatriated from the holding camps in accordance with the government’s ongoing illegal foreign nationals repatriation policy.
Officials further revealed that entire families possessing Afghan Citizen Cards will also be taken into custody and transferred to holding camps before being sent back to Afghanistan.
The renewed operation comes after the government’s repatriation deadline expired, prompting authorities to accelerate enforcement measures across the country. Security agencies have been directed to identify, detain, and process Afghan nationals who are no longer authorized to remain in Pakistan under the current policy.
The government maintains that the repatriation campaign is being carried out in line with national immigration and security laws, while humanitarian organizations have urged authorities to ensure that deportations are conducted in accordance with international humanitarian standards and with due regard for vulnerable individuals.