The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government is set to launch a major operation against illegal Afghan immigrants across the province starting July 10, with authorities completing all necessary preparations. The repatriation process of undocumented foreign nationals is also continuing.
Repatriation and Vacancies
According to official sources on Tuesday, more than 14,000 Afghan families returned to Afghanistan between July 1 and July 6. During the same period, several houses, shops and business premises in different parts of Peshawar were vacated.
Scope of the Operation
Authorities said the crackdown will begin in various parts of Peshawar and the cantonment area, targeting undocumented immigrants and businesses operating in violation of the law. The planned operation is expected to cover key commercial areas, including Namak Mandi, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Food and Flour Market, Ashraf Road, Khyber Bazaar, University Road, Fruit and Vegetable Market and other major trading centers in the city.
Joint Enforcement
The operation will be carried out jointly by the police and law enforcement agencies. Officials have reportedly completed the identification of undocumented Afghan traders and other individuals engaged in illegal business activities, paving the way for legal action during the crackdown.
Policy and Target
Authorities maintained that the operation is aimed only at individuals residing illegally in the country and those violating the law, adding that the government's repatriation policy will continue alongside the enforcement campaign.
Categories of Afghan Refugees
There are several categories of Afghan refugees. The first category includes those with PoR cards. These cards were issued by the government in 2006-2007 following a Nadra registration drive, which registered two million people. As of June 2025, approximately one million PoR cardholders remained. These individuals are considered refugees, meaning they are under international protection.
The second category of refugees is defined by a 2017 cabinet decision that outlined a comprehensive Afghan management strategy with several components. One component focused on border management to prevent undocumented entry. Another addressed the lack of specific refugee law in Pakistan at the time, with plans to enact such legislation. A third component involved registering undocumented individuals, which led to issuance of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs).
The third category of refugees arrived in Pakistan after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, including approximately 600,000 people, among them journalists, singers and others. Action was taken against undocumented individuals in September 2023, against ACC holders in April 2025, and against PoR cardholders in September 2025.
