Pakistan firm on deadline for Afghans’ expulsion

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has ruled out any extension the March 31 deadline for the expulsion of Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country.

The decision came at a meeting held at the interior ministry in Islamabad on Thursday, The News International reported, citing unnamed sources.

The newspaper said the federal government had decided to strictly enforce the March 31 deadline for the repatriation of illegal immigrants, mostly Afghan citizens.

Hours earlier, Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to withdraw its “opaque” Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan regarding the expulsion of illegal immigrants.

In a statement, the rights watchdog warned on Wednesday Islamabad’s deadline for Afghans would exacerbate their woes.

Of the total 2.1 million, 1.3 million Afghan refugees have obtained Proof of Registration Cards. More than  52% of them are residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Tens of thousands of Afghans, born in Pakistan, have hardly visited their homeland. They are worried over what the future holds in store for them in Afghanistan.

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