Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday announced that all foreign nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas must leave the country by April 30.
Reaffirming the government's firm stance on immigration enforcement, Chaudhry emphasized that the policy specifically targets undocumented immigrants, particularly Afghan nationals.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, he acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing hospitality but stated that it is now time to uphold immigration laws without exception.
“We welcomed our Afghan brothers for 40 years with open hearts. But no country in the world allows anyone to live without a visa, and Pakistan cannot be an exception,” Chaudhry said.
He revealed that since April 1, a total of 84,869 Afghan nationals have been repatriated under the current national strategy aimed at addressing the presence of individuals residing illegally within the country.
According to the minister, the repatriation process is being carried out in a lawful, organized, and humane manner.
He stressed that Pakistani authorities are working in close coordination with Afghan officials to ensure a smooth transition for those returning to Afghanistan.
Chaudhry also outlined a major component of the enforcement strategy which includes strict measures against Pakistani citizens who provide housing, employment, or other forms of support to undocumented foreigners.
He made it clear that any Pakistani renting out shops, homes, or hotel rooms to illegal immigrants, or employing them for work, would face legal consequences.
“We have communicated clear instructions to all provinces, if anyone gives a shop, house, or any kind of space to an illegal foreigner, they will be held accountable under the law,” he stated.
Chaudhry reiterated that only foreign nationals with proper legal documentation would be permitted to rent property, operate businesses, or seek employment within Pakistan.
All commercial or personal dealings, including transactions involving moveable or immoveable property, must involve legally documented individuals.
The minister assured the public that Pakistan is adopting a balanced approach, combining enforcement with diplomatic engagement. He mentioned that a high-level Afghan delegation recently visited the Ministry of Interior to discuss the ongoing situation and explore possible solutions. In continuation of these efforts, a Pakistani delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Afghanistan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination.
Chaudhry also raised concerns over credible intelligence reports indicating that a portion of the approximately one million weapons left behind by US forces in Afghanistan has fallen into the hands of terrorist groups.
He warned that the circulation of these weapons poses a significant security threat not only to Pakistan but to the wider region.
Concluding his address, the minister emphasized that Pakistan’s policy is not driven by hostility but by the need to uphold the rule of law and protect public safety and national interests.
“We remain committed to peaceful relations with Afghanistan, but national security and legal compliance will not be compromised,” he affirmed.
