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.