Islamabad, Oct 17, 2025: In a significant policy shift, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced that only Afghan nationals with valid visas will be permitted to remain in Pakistan.
This decision, aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of Afghan refugees, marks a decisive step in Pakistan’s efforts to regulate the presence of Afghan nationals in the country. The announcement came during a meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Sharif and attended by chief ministers of three provinces, the PM of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan. The meeting, however, saw the absence of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who was represented by Muzamil Aslam.
The discussions centered on the ongoing repatriation of Afghan refugees, with a special focus on security concerns and border tensions following recent provocations from Afghanistan. Officials provided an update on the repatriation process, revealing that over 1.47 million Afghan refugees have already returned to Afghanistan since the repatriation initiative began. The government has set a deadline of October 16, 2025, to complete the return of the remaining refugees.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the decision to restrict the stay of Afghan nationals to those with valid visas is final and will be strictly enforced. The government has also committed to increasing the number of exit points along the Afghan border to ensure a smooth and efficient return process for refugees.
Officials clarified that housing illegal Afghan nationals or allowing them to stay in guesthouses without proper documentation is a criminal offense. The government vowed to take strict legal action against those violating these rules, signaling its commitment to upholding immigration laws.
During his remarks, Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the public’s growing frustration with the prolonged presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. He reassured citizens that the federal government is fully committed to resolving the issue, noting his recent conversation with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sharif reaffirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a vital part of Pakistan’s federation and promised continued federal support for the province.
As Pakistan accelerates the repatriation process, the government is focused on ensuring the safety and dignity of all refugees while addressing security concerns. This policy change is a clear signal that Pakistan is taking stronger measures to manage its borders and enforce immigration regulations, aiming to provide a more sustainable solution to the Afghan refugee issue.
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