The federal government has announced an immediate nationwide crackdown on undocumented Afghans, directing law enforcement to arrest any Afghan national found in Pakistan without a valid visa starting July 10, 2026. The directive was issued by the Ministry of Interior on Sunday, according to an official source.
Interior Ministry Directives
During a review meeting on the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP) held earlier this month, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, all provincial governments, special area governments, and the ICT Administration were instructed to expedite the repatriation or deportation of Afghan nationals, including those who have overstayed their visas. The meeting emphasized strict implementation of the IFRP.
The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control issued a letter dated June 28, 2026, addressed to all Chief Secretaries and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory, announcing that from July 10, 2026, any Afghan national residing in Pakistan without a valid visa will be arrested immediately.
Implementation and Enforcement
The provincial Chief Secretaries and Chief Commissioner ICT have been directed to issue necessary instructions to all Deputy Commissioners, district administrations, police, and other concerned law enforcement agencies to ensure uniform and effective implementation of these directives. The order, issued under the IFRP, also mandates daily reporting on arrests and deportations, with compliance required on a top priority basis from provincial governments, district administrations, and law enforcement bodies.
According to the official source, the Ministry has demanded a daily report indicating the number of Afghan nationals found without valid visas, the action taken against them, and their current status. This reporting must begin from July 11, 2026. The letter stated, “A daily report, indicating the number of Afghan nationals found without valid visas, the action taken against them, and their present status, may kindly be furnished to this Ministry on a daily basis, commencing 11th July, 2026.”
Background and Context
The crackdown is part of the ongoing Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, which aims to address the presence of undocumented foreigners in Pakistan. The directive specifically targets Afghan nationals, who constitute a significant portion of the undocumented population in the country. The Ministry has stressed the need for strict enforcement to ensure national security and adherence to immigration laws.
