Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday informed a visiting United Nations delegation that Pakistan will soon commence the second phase of its repatriation policy for undocumented Afghan refugees.
Led by Special Representative for Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte, the U.N. delegation included the global body’s Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya; Special Assistant to the DSRG Fady El Meouchy; and Head of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan Malick Ceesay. Welcoming the delegation, Naqvi noted that Pakistan had been hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades. He said authorities had started the phase wise repatriation of illegal foreigners last year, stressing that no action was being taken against anyone with legal documents.
However, he stressed, no one could be permitted to remain in Pakistan without valid visas or other legal documents. Maintaining that the second phase of the repatriation of Afghan refugees would soon commence, he urged the need for the U.N. and the international community to play their role in the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.
According to a statement, Ratwatte praised Pakistan’s role regarding its hosting of Afghan refugees and the Doha dialogue. He said the U.N. was closely working with the Afghan government for the permanent rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.
During their meeting, the U.N. Special Representative for Afghanistan also strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan. The interior minister said terrorism was a global issue and Pakistan was among the countries most affected by it. He highlighted that Pakistan’s security forces, police, and people had rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
Naqvi also informed the delegation about the involvement of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, stressing that the militants were using Afghan soil for this purpose. Emphasizing that this must stop, he said Pakistan desired peace and stability in Afghanistan and was providing all possible support in this regard.
Pakistan launched the first round of repatriation of “undocumented aliens” in November 2023, a month after announcing the policy during which such individuals were encouraged to voluntarily leave the country or risk legal action. Reportedly, the second phase would see the expulsion of Afghans holding Afghan Citizen Cards, while a third phase would those with UNHCR-issued Proof of Registration cards.