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Pakistan wants Afghans without visas to leave Islamabad and Rawalpindi by February 28
Pakistan has informed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that all Afghan nationals—except those holding valid visas—must leave the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi by February 28.
For Afghans holding resettlement or relocation documents for third countries, the government has extended the deadline to March 31, Business Recorder reported.
UNHCR Spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi, while talking to Business Recorder has expressed grave concern over the decision, stressing the deep-rooted family and business ties many Afghans have in Pakistan.
He stated that it had consistently advocated for a more considerate approach over the past two months, urging authorities to factor in these longstanding connections.
However, the government has chosen to proceed with the plan, Afridi said.
The move is expected to have immediate repercussions on livelihoods and children’s education, the UNHCR spokesperson said, adding it has called on Pakistan to uphold human rights standards while implementing the relocation measures, ensuring due process for affected individuals.
The Afghan embassy in Islamabad recently issued a strongly worded statement, saying Afghan nationals in Islamabad and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi have been subjected to arrests, searches and orders from the police to leave the twin cities and relocate to other parts of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry rejected allegations of mistreatment of refugees, and called on Kabul to ensure Afghan nationals’ smooth repatriation.
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Afghan interior minister meets outgoing Chinese ambassador
During the meeting, Minister Haqqani described Ambassador Zhao Xing’s tenure in Afghanistan as effective and praised his positive contribution to strengthening relations between Afghanistan and China.
Ambassador Zhao Xing, in turn, expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Ministry of Interior Affairs for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure in Afghanistan.
The Chinese ambassador underscored the importance of the historic relations between Afghanistan and China and expressed hope that bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand in the future.
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Afghan doctors barred from Peshawar hospital over visa issues
Several Afghan doctors and medical staff have been stopped from working at Northwest General Hospital and Research Centre (NWGH) in Peshawar due to visa-related issues, according to Pakistani freelance journalist Tahir Khan.
Khan reported on Monday that the affected Afghan medical workers had applied for visa extensions, but their applications have yet to be approved.
A September 2 circular issued by the Human Resource Department of Alliance Healthcare (Pvt.) Ltd. directed Afghan nationals without valid visas to discontinue their duties with immediate effect.
According to the circular, the employees can resume work after submitting valid visa documentation and completing the required verification process.
An NWGH doctor told Khan that several Afghan doctors and other medical staff had previously been working at the hospital with valid visas but have now been suspended while their visa-extension applications remain pending.
The development comes a week after the Lahore High Court suspended the operation of directives issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council ordering Afghan medical students to return to Afghanistan.
The reported suspension of Afghan medical staff at the Peshawar hospital has raised concerns among affected doctors, who say they remain unable to work while awaiting decisions on their visa applications.
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Mujahid: Afghanistan’s reconstruction must rely on domestic investment
Mujahid added that Afghanistan’s long-term development should ultimately be driven by the efforts, capital and resources of Afghans themselves.
Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says Afghanistan’s reconstruction should be driven by the country’s own resources, domestic investment and Afghan businesses rather than dependence on foreign aid and projects.
Mujahid said several countries, including the former Soviet Union and the United States, had implemented reconstruction and development projects in Afghanistan over the past decades while pursuing their own objectives and interests.
He said although some projects were completed, they were not sufficient to meet Afghanistan’s needs, while the country also suffered significant losses during periods of foreign involvement.
Mujahid stressed that Afghan traders and investors should play a central role in rebuilding the country and advancing economic growth.
According to him, the Islamic Emirate is working to encourage Afghan businesspeople to invest inside Afghanistan and contribute to reconstruction and development.
He said domestic investment is essential for strengthening Afghanistan’s economy and achieving greater self-reliance.
Mujahid added that Afghanistan’s long-term development should ultimately be driven by the efforts, capital and resources of Afghans themselves.
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