offenseThe government has also expanded exit points along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to ensure a smoother and faster return process. Authorities warned that providing shelter or accommodation to undocumented Afghans in private homes, hotels, or guesthouses would now be treated as a punishable offence under national law.
PM Shehbaz directed that the repatriation process must be carried out humanely, ensuring that women, children, minorities, and the elderly are treated with dignity and care. He appreciated the cooperation of provincial governments and praised the armed forces, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, for successfully defending Pakistan’s borders against recent attacks from across the frontier.
officials,The meeting was attended by senior officials including Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the chief ministers of all provinces. The participants agreed that Pakistan’s refugee repatriation plan should be implemented strictly and consistently across all regions.
Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have deepened in recent months due to the Taliban regime’s failure to take action against militant groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which continue to operate from Afghan soil. A recent report by the United Nations Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team confirmed Pakistan’s concerns, stating that the TTP maintains close operational and logistical ties with the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for more than four decades, since the Soviet invasion in 1979. However, growing economic pressures, rising terror attacks, and Kabul’s unwillingness to curb cross-border militancy have compelled Islamabad to take a firm stance on refugee repatriation.
The prime minister concluded by urging all institutions and provinces to fully support the federal government’s efforts, ensuring a safe, organized, and dignified return for all Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan.
