Pakistan(National Times)- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has turned down the Afghan government’s request to extend the stay of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, The News reported on Thursday. These individuals were instructed last year to leave the country by February 28, 2025, giving them only seven days to stay in the twin cities. According to sources, security agencies have compiled lists of illegal Afghan residents, including information on their residences and locations. The Afghan nationals, who have documents to go to another country, can stay here till March 31 this year. After this date, they will also have to leave Pakistan.  The Afghans, who have a valid Pakistani visa for the period for which it has been issued, can continue to stay till that time.  Government sources told The News on Wednesday the decision to expel Afghan nationals has become inevitable because of the security situation and sensitivity of the twin cities.

Pakistan rejects Afghan envoy’s claims

Meanwhile, Pakistan on Wednesday rejected remarks by the acting Afghan chargé d’affaires on ‘mistreatment’ of Afghan refugees by Pakistan, which have been repatriated through the Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFPR). Islamabad reminded Kabul that Pakistan has been host to millions of Afghans through several decades. Afghanistan and the challenges that Pakistan was facing from its western neighbour were also raised at high level discussions both in New York and London. Spokesperson at the Foreign Office, reacting to the Afghan diplomat, said: “His assertions regarding mistreatment of Afghan nationals are misplaced. I would like to remind him that Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghans for decades with respect and dignity, while extending traditional hospitality, sharing its resources and services such as education and health, even with very little international support.” Pointing to aliens residing in Pakistan, he said that the IFRP started in 2023 and put in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure that no one is mistreated or harassed during the repatriation process.  “In this connection, we also extensively engaged the Afghan side to ensure smooth repatriation of Afghan nationals,” he added. In a strongly worded statement, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad had earlier said: “Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there is a definitive and final plan to deport all Afghan refugees not only from Islamabad and Rawalpindi but also from the entire country in the near future.”