The afghan repatriation process has reached a significant milestone, with the Punjab government confirming that approximately 2.7 million Afghan citizens have returned to their home country since the launch of the national deportation campaign in late 2023.

This mass movement follows the federal government’s decision to initiate a countrywide crackdown on 'illegal immigrants' residing within Pakistan. The policy, which gained momentum in the final months of 2023, aimed to streamline the legal status of foreign nationals and ensure that all residents comply with valid documentation requirements.

The Scale of the Afghan Repatriation Process

The figures released by provincial authorities highlight the scale of the ongoing operation. While the campaign was nationwide, Punjab has been a central hub for monitoring the movement of individuals returning across the border. Most of those who have departed were identified as lacking the necessary legal permits to continue residing in Pakistan.

Authorities have coordinated with border management agencies to ensure that the process remains orderly. For those residing in Pakistan, this shift has meant a complete change in residency status, with many families who had lived in the country for decades choosing to relocate as the enforcement of immigration laws tightened.

What This Means for Residents

If you are an Afghan national or are working with communities affected by these policy changes, it is essential to stay updated on the latest government notifications. The government has repeatedly emphasized that the campaign targets only those without valid documentation.

  • Documentation: Ensure all residency permits, such as Proof of Registration (PoR) cards or Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), are updated.
  • Legal Compliance: The authorities continue to monitor urban centers to identify individuals residing without legal cover.
  • Border Procedures: The repatriation remains focused on official border crossings, primarily Torkham and Chaman.

What to Watch Next

The government is expected to continue its oversight of the remaining foreign national population. Observers are now looking toward the next phase of the policy, which involves evaluating the impact of this mass departure on local labor markets and regional security.

As the situation evolves, the provincial administration is likely to release further data regarding the remaining undocumented individuals. For the latest official updates, residents are encouraged to monitor announcements from the Ministry of Interior and provincial home departments, as these offices remain the primary sources for any adjustments to the current deportation policy.