According to the latest report of Pakistan’s Home Ministry, more than 5 lakh Afghan refugees have left Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan since 1 April 2025. The report stated that a total of 5,62,659 Afghan citizens have returned, out of which 40,221 people also had Afghan Citizen Card (ACC).
This return came after the implementation of the phased withdrawal scheme of the non-assertion and temporarily living Afghans by the Government of Pakistan. The Home Ministry said that the process of refunding refugees has been intensified and special facilities have been provided at the boundary posts so that the returning people can get help.
In the first phase of this scheme, the proof of registration (POR) and ACC holders focus on. The government has allowed Afghan refugees with POR card to stay in Pakistan till June 30.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that after July 1, if an illegal Afghan citizen is found in Pakistan, legal action will be taken against him.
Significantly, lakhs of Afghan refugees have been living in Pakistan for years, many of which are without valid documents. The government is now taking a tough stand on their return. After finding, people who are living illegally in Pakistan are being sent back.
