Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has ordered the immediate arrest of any Afghan national found residing in the country without a valid visa, effective from July 10, 2026, as part of a renewed crackdown under its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). The directive marks a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing efforts to regulate undocumented foreign residents.

According to an official notification issued on Sunday, instructions have been sent to the chief secretaries, inspectors general of police (IGPs) of all four provinces, and the Islamabad administration to ensure strict enforcement of the policy. Authorities have been directed to identify and detain Afghan nationals living without valid documentation and initiate legal proceedings for their deportation.

The notification referenced a review meeting held on June 1, 2026, during which federal and provincial authorities were instructed to accelerate the repatriation and deportation process. The meeting reportedly included representatives from provincial governments, special administrative regions, and the Islamabad Capital Territory administration, all of whom were tasked with strengthening implementation of the IFRP framework.

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Under the latest directive, any Afghan national found without a valid visa after July 10 will be subject to immediate arrest. Officials have also been instructed to ensure uniform enforcement across all provinces, with deputy commissioners, district administrations, police departments, and other law enforcement agencies required to coordinate closely for effective execution of the policy.

The Ministry of Interior has additionally mandated daily reporting from July 11 onward. These reports must include details on the number of Afghan nationals identified without valid documentation, the actions taken against them, and progress updates on enforcement operations. The aim, according to the directive, is to maintain centralized monitoring and ensure accountability across regions.

Pakistan has hosted a large Afghan population for decades, particularly since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and subsequent waves of conflict. In recent years, however, the government has intensified efforts to regulate undocumented migration, citing security concerns, economic pressures, and administrative challenges. The latest order is expected to further increase tensions surrounding refugee management and cross-border migration between the two neighbouring countries.

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