Local authorities in Landi Kotal have issued a stern directive to Afghan nationals residing and conducting business illegally within the tehsil, demanding their voluntary return to Afghanistan. Officials have warned that those who do not comply will face strict legal consequences.
Deadline Expires for Voluntary Return
According to former president of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran Landi Kotal, Jafer Shinwari, more than 1,700 Afghan shopkeepers, handcart operators, and informal vendors are currently operating in the Landi Kotal bazaar without valid legal documentation. The administration confirmed that the deadline for voluntary repatriation has now passed.
Additional Assistant Commissioner Landi Kotal, Shahabuddin, alongside the tehsildar and other officials, personally visited the main bazaar on Thursday. They instructed all Afghan traders lacking valid visas and travel documents to immediately cease their business activities and depart from the area.
Part of Broader Government Campaign
This action is not an isolated event but part of the government's ongoing, structured campaign against undocumented foreign nationals. The drive began its first phase in 2023. A subsequent phase in April 2025 focused on the repatriation of holders of the Afghan Citizens Card (ACC).
We are now in the current phase, which targets Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. These individuals have been asked to return to Afghanistan after their cards officially expired on June 30, 2025. Authorities have emphasized that the policy will be implemented strictly and without exceptions.
Enforcement Action Imminent
The administration's warning is clear: any Afghan national who continues to operate a business in Landi Kotal without legal authorization will now face enforcement action under the full extent of applicable laws. This move underscores the administration's resolve to regulate the presence of foreign nationals in the region according to established legal frameworks.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges at the border regions regarding documentation and residency, as Pakistan continues to enforce its immigration policies.
