• Talal says that time has come to enforce our immigration legislation strictly.
• Adds repatriation process performed in legal, human way.
• Warns Pakistanis of action against stores, home to illegal immigrants.

Islamabad: Prime Minister of Interior Talal Chaudhry announced on Friday that the last date of departure by all foreign nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas is April 30, confirming the government’s uncompromising attitude to the return of undocumented immigrants, especially Afghan citizens.

“Pakistan has shown unmatched hospitality for decades, but the time has come to enforce our immigration legislation strictly,” the minister said as he approached a press conference in Islamabad.

Chaudhry spoke a day before Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to lead a high -powered delegation for conversations in Kabul.

Afghan citizens who have no legal documents to stay, or those holding Afghan Citizen Card had been warned by Islamabad to return home or face deportation before March 31, a deadline, which was then extended to April 30.

The repatriation drive is part of a campaign called the illegal foreigners repatriation plan launched by the end of 2023.

The country has hosted millions of Afghans for about five decades. Hundreds of thousands of them returned to their country in the last few years, but over 2.1 million still live in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and other provinces.

Last year, the deadliest year was in almost a decade in Pakistan with more than 1,600 people killed in attack-novel half of them Security forces staff-swelling the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies.

Pakistan accuses the Taliban government of failing to eradicate militants who shelter on Afghan Earth, a charge that the Taliban government denies.

The Taliban government has repeatedly called for the “worthy” return of Afghans to their country, with Prime Minister Hassan Akhund, who encourages countries that host Afghans not to force them out.

“We welcomed our Afghan brothers for 40 years with open hearts. But no country in the world allows anyone to live without a visa, and Pakistan cannot be an exception,” Talal said while talking to journalists today.

Chaudhry shared that 84,869 Afghan citizens have been repatriated since April 1 as part of the ongoing national policy to return individuals residing in Pakistan illegally.

He clarified that the repatriation process is performed in a legal, organized and human way, and that Pakistani authorities work closely with Afghan colleagues to facilitate the transition.

A large part of the government’s enforcement strategy focuses on those who provide accommodation, employment or services to undocumented foreigners.

Chaudhry revealed that a strict action will be taken against Pakistani citizens who rent shops, homes or hotel rooms for illegal immigrants or hire them for jobs.

“We have communicated clear instructions to all provinces. If someone gives a store, house or any kind of space for an illegal foreigner, they will be held responsible under the law,” he said.

He further added that only foreign nationals with valid legal documents are eligible to rent property, open businesses or seek employment in Pakistan. All conditions, whether in moving or real estate, must be carried out with legally documented persons.

“Pakistani citizens are only allowed to work with or rent for those who have proper legal status in the country,” he added.

The minister assured that Pakistan is pursuing a balanced approach that includes diplomatic coordination with the Afghan government.

Chaudhry also raised alarms over credible intelligence, suggesting that some of the one million weapons left behind by US forces in Afghanistan have entered the hands of terrorist groups.

“These developments confirm our security concerns. The presence of such weapons in the wrong hands pose a serious threat not only to Pakistan, but to the entire region,” he warned.

The Minister concluded that Pakistan’s policy is not driven by animosity, but by a commitment to the rule of law, public security and national interest.