Pakistan Announces Final Exit Date for Afghan Citizen Card Holders

News Desk

Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan has set March 31, 2025, as the deadline for all Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country under its ongoing Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP).

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior, ACC holders are urged to depart voluntarily before the deadline. From April 1, 2025, authorities will initiate deportation proceedings against those who remain in the country beyond the stipulated date.

The government reiterated that Pakistan has provided ample time for a dignified and orderly return, assuring that no individual will be mistreated during the process. Authorities have also arranged for essential support, including food and healthcare, for returning individuals.

The repatriation program, launched on November 1, 2023, initially targeted undocumented foreigners. The policy has now been expanded to include ACC holders as part of broader efforts to regulate foreign residency in the country.

Pakistan, which has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, reaffirmed its commitment to responsible state policies while underscoring the need for all foreign nationals to comply with legal requirements and the Constitution of Pakistan.

The decision comes amid growing national security and economic concerns, with authorities emphasizing the importance of maintaining regulatory control over foreign residency.