Pakistan orders undocumented foreigners, Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave by March 31

Pakistan orders undocumented foreigners, Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave by March 31
Afghan refugees walk near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman on November 7, 2023, following Pakistan’s government decision to expel people illegally staying in the country. (AFP/File)
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Updated 08 March 2025

Pakistan orders undocumented foreigners, Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave by March 31

Pakistan orders undocumented foreigners, Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave by March 31
  • The government says it has already granted sufficient time to these people for their dignified return
  • It maintains people who continue to stay in Pakistan must abide by the country’s constitution

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government on Friday announced that all Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country, including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, must depart voluntarily by March 31 or face deportation starting April 1.
The ACC scheme, initiated in 2017, provided temporary legal status to undocumented Afghans in Pakistan. It differs from the Proof of Registration (PoR) system, which grants refugee status to Afghan nationals recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Pakistan government.
Unlike PoR card holders, who are protected under international refugee frameworks, ACC holders were never formally recognized as refugees and were only granted temporary permission to stay.
The recent directive will primarily impact them along with other undocumented Afghan nationals, many of whom fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
“Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) is being implemented since 1 November 2023,” the government’s statement, available on the Press Information Department’s website, said. “In continuation to Government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders.”
“All illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025,” it added. “Thereafter, deportation will commence [with effect from] 1 April 2025.”
The statement maintained Pakistan had granted sufficient time to these people to ensure their dignified return. It also added that the authorities would adopt a humane approach while carrying out the repatriation process.
“It is emphasized that no one will be maltreated during the repatriation process and arrangements for food and health care for returning foreigners have also been put in place,” the statement noted.
It pointed out that all those individuals who were staying in Pakistan would need to fulfil legal requirement and abide by the country’s constitution.
The Pakistan government launched the deportation drive against “illegal immigrants,” mostly Afghan nationals, in November 2023 after a string of suicide bombings in the country.
Officials in Islamabad cited security concerns for the decision, alleging that Afghan nationals had been involved in militant activities, including attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces, a claim denied by Taliban authorities in Kabul.
Last year, the government also announced that Afghan citizens residing in Islamabad would require No Objection Certificates (NOCs) after alleging that many of them had participated in an anti-government protest led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which later turned violent.
The government’s directive will affect numerous Afghans in Pakistan awaiting resettlement to third countries, including the United States.
Many of them had assisted international forces and now fear retribution from the Taliban. However, recent policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration have all but suspended US refugee admissions, leaving thousands in limbo.
Last month, the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which operates under the UN system, voiced concern over Pakistan’s directive requiring Afghan nationals to relocate from Islamabad and Rawalpindi or face deportation, urging the government to consider human rights standards in implementing the policy.


Finmin in US for IMF, World Bank meetings as Pakistan eyes early bailout deals

Finmin in US for IMF, World Bank meetings as Pakistan eyes early bailout deals
Updated 22 sec ago

Finmin in US for IMF, World Bank meetings as Pakistan eyes early bailout deals

Finmin in US for IMF, World Bank meetings as Pakistan eyes early bailout deals
  • Pakistan secured a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and a $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility from the IMF
  • The IMF this week said the two sides have made ‘significant progress’ toward a staff-level agreement on reviews of the loans

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has left for the United States to attend the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings, the Pakistani finance ministry said on Saturday, with Islamabad seeking an early staff-level agreement with the IMF.

Pakistan secured a $7 billion, 37-month Extended Fund Facility in Sept. last year, followed by a $1.4 billion, 28-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility in May, to bankroll its economy.

The IMF this week said the two sides have made “significant progress” toward a staff-level agreement on reviews of the South Asian country’s $8.4 loans, the lender said late Wednesday.

Aurangzeb on Friday reaffirmed that talks with the IMF mission remained constructive, with only a few outstanding issues, and expressed optimism about reaching a deal shortly during his meetings in Washington.

“Aurangzeb will meet with senior officials of the IMF, World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) during his visit to the US,” the finance ministry said.

“The finance minister will also meet IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the G24 and Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) countries platforms.”

He will discuss tax proposals and investment opportunities in Pakistan with officials and members of the US-Pakistan Business Council, according to his ministry.

During the visit, the finance minister will also meet officials of global credit rating agencies and commercial banks, especially Middle Eastern investment banks.

Pakistan’s $7 billion IMF program implementation remained strong and broadly aligned with commitments, while progress was made in discussions on fiscal consolidation to strengthen public finances, according to the lender.

Aurangzeb said on Friday the government is finalizing rapid damage assessments following recent floods and will prioritize the use of domestic resources for rescue and relief operations, before considering external assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Pakistan’s recent floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and India’s release of excess water, have killed more than 1,037 people and affected another over 4 million, besides damaging standing crops, homes and road network. The government has initially estimated the losses at Rs370 billion ($1.31 billion), though a detailed assessment has yet to be made.

“The IMF team wants to express its sympathy to those affected by the recent floods, and is grateful to the Pakistani authorities, private sector, and development partners for many fruitful discussions,” the global lender said this week.


Seven cops, six militants killed in attack on Pakistan police training center

Seven cops, six militants killed in attack on Pakistan police training center
Updated 11 min 13 sec ago

Seven cops, six militants killed in attack on Pakistan police training center

Seven cops, six militants killed in attack on Pakistan police training center
  • The attack came a day after reports of airstrikes in Kabul that sought to target TTP chief Noor Wali
  • The TTP initially claimed the assault, which also injured 13 cops, but later retracted the statement

PESHAWAR: Seven policemen and six militants were killed in a late-night attack on a police training center in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, police said on Saturday, amid a surge in militancy in the region bordering Afghanistan.

The attack came a day after reports of airstrikes in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that reportedly sought to target Noor Wali Mehsud, chief of the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The TTP initially claimed the assault on the police training center in DI Khan, saying a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the gate before others entered the facility, but later retracted the statement.

Yaqoob Khan, a DI Khan police spokesman, told Arab News the wall of the facility collapsed because of the impact of the blast and killed two policemen, followed by a fierce gunbattle both sides.

“A total of seven policemen were martyred and 13 others injured,” Khan said, adding all six militants were killed. “All 200 trainees and staff at the training center were safely evacuated.”

Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP in recent years, where militant groups, mainly the TTP, frequently target security forces and have been involved in killings and kidnappings of government officials. This week, at least 12 Pakistani soldiers, including three officers, were killed in separate militant attacks in the region.

Islamabad has frequently blamed the Afghan Taliban for harboring TTP militants, saying the group launches cross-border attacks against its security forces and civilians from the Afghan soil, though Kabul has denied the allegation.

The two countries traded sharp warnings on Friday after Kabul accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and bombing a border town while the Pakistani military vowed to do “whatever is necessary” to defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity.


Spotify names Pakistani musician Samar Jafri as featured artist for Q4 2025

Spotify names Pakistani musician Samar Jafri as featured artist for Q4 2025
Updated 44 min 6 sec ago

Spotify names Pakistani musician Samar Jafri as featured artist for Q4 2025

Spotify names Pakistani musician Samar Jafri as featured artist for Q4 2025
  • Jafri gained recognition for his songs ‘Main Rahun’ and ‘Guzaarishein’ this year
  • Spotify will also be showcasing the singer’s journey in a special mini documentary

ISLAMABAD: Spotify has named Pakistani musician Samar Jafri as its featured artist for the fourth quarter of 2025 under its global Radar program, highlighting the singer’s rapid rise and growing popularity among young listeners across the country.

Jafri gained widespread recognition after his songs ‘Main Rahun’ and ‘Guzaarishein’ garnered over 23 million streams since their release in April and May this year.

Platforms like Spotify have played a key role in spotlighting emerging talent and connecting local voices with global audiences as the Pakistani music industry undergoes a digital transformation.

“Samar Jafri is a remarkable talent and a fitting choice to close out RADAR Pakistan Season 2025. We’re excited to spotlight his journey and share his music with even more listeners through this platform,” Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify’s Artist & Label

Partnerships Manager for Pakistan and the UAE, was quoted as saying by Asiatic Public Relations firm.

Apart from Pakistan, Jafri’s music has been streamed most in Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the UAE over the past 28 days. His listeners are mostly between 18 and 24 years old.

Jafri shared his excitement on being recognized by Spotify’s Radar Pakistan, saying that it was something he had been dreaming about for years.

“I’ve been making music for over six years now, but it took a lot of time and courage to finally start putting out originals. Seeing that music connects with so many people, especially on a platform like Spotify, means everything,” he was quoted as saying.

“Being able to tell my story through Spotify RADAR is surely one of the highlights of this year for me. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.”

Spotify will also showcase Jafri’s journey in a special mini documentary exploring his creativity, the inspiration behind his music and the moments that shaped him into the artist he is today.

The digital audio streaming service had named Pakistani musician Afusic for his track ‘Pal Pal’ as its RADAR Pakistan artist for the third quarter of 2025.


From trash to treasure: Climate activist builds Karachi library from discarded books and waste

From trash to treasure: Climate activist builds Karachi library from discarded books and waste
Updated 11 October 2025

From trash to treasure: Climate activist builds Karachi library from discarded books and waste

From trash to treasure: Climate activist builds Karachi library from discarded books and waste
  • Built with mud, bamboo and plastic waste, the library’s design merges sustainability with climate resilience
  • Ahmad Shabbar says the idea emerged after finding discarded books while working in garbage collection

KARACHI: When climate activist Ahmad Shabbar began working in garbage collection a few years ago, he was startled by what he found buried among the city’s waste: hundreds of books, from primers used in schools to novels and encyclopedias, discarded like ordinary trash.

A nuclear physicist from Reed College and a mechanical and energy engineer, Shabbar runs GarbageCAN, a waste management company focused on recycling and sustainability. He said he realized there were tons of books in good condition coming out of the trash, making him feel as if people were “throwing away a treasure of knowledge.”

The realization marked the beginning of a project, one that led him to preserve nearly 4,000 discarded books and transform salvaged materials into a living, breathing library.

“We removed the books from trash and gave them a second home,” he said in a conversation with Arab News, sharing how his efforts culminated this month in the opening of the Second Home Library – The Earth Pod, a community space in Karachi built entirely from recycled and natural materials.

The picture posted on September 17, 2025, books lying on libaray floor in Karachi, Pakistan. (Construct Earth)

The library stands inside the Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan School in Karachi’s Shah Faisal Colony, a densely populated working-class neighborhood. The structure’s design mirrors its mission: to reuse, recycle and rethink.

“We figured that because the books have been salvaged, the structure of the library [should] also be constructed with salvaged materials or trash or natural materials,” he said.

Shabbar noted the Second Home Library balances “environmental, financial and structural sustainability,” combining “indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge, both for climate adaptability and resilience.”

Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, ranking high on the Global Climate Risk Index.

The picture posted in Ovtober 2025, shows interior view of the library. (Iffi via Google Earth)

Its susceptibility to glacial melt, extreme heatwaves and erratic monsoons — underscored by the catastrophic floods in 2022 and again this year — has made climate-resilient infrastructure critical.

“The wall behind you, it's made out of mud,” he said. “It's made out of earth bags. And there's supposed to be a 10 to 15 degrees difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature just because of that wall.”

“Even the concrete wall integrates plastic bottles and wrappers,” he continued, adding that about 1,600 plastic bottles and 800,000 chip wrappers were used in it.

“Those chip wrappers would otherwise be in the stormwater drains, choking it and causing urban flooding or finding their way to the sea.”

The roof, made of bamboo, features a dual-canopy system with a porous bottom and a waterproof top, shaped like a funnel to enhance natural ventilation.

“Wind can naturally come in and take all the hot air away,” Shabbar said.

Inside, the library’s shelves hold a diverse mix of books — religious texts, Urdu novels, children’s stories, encyclopedias and poetry — all rescued from waste.

For Meerab, an eighth-grade student, the library has opened a new world.

“I really enjoy reading poetry books and writing poetry as well,” she said. “Since the library has opened, I come here and find many poetry books. These books give me a lot of knowledge, and they are also very good.”

Mubeen Ahmad, a ninth-grader with a passion for cricket, spends his reading time with stories and loves exploring world records.

“When it comes to books, I like English books, Urdu stories, novels and sometimes books like the Guinness World Records,” he said.

Ahmad also admired the architecture of the building, saying he found it unique.

Shabbar said he wanted to build the library in an underserved area.

“We figured that this would be the best place,” he said, referring to the vicinity where children are not from privileged families.

“A thousand kids will be utilizing this [facility],” he added. “It will be open for kids who are out of school as well.”


Three militants killed after attack on police training center in northwest Pakistan

Three militants killed after attack on police training center in northwest Pakistan
Updated 10 October 2025

Three militants killed after attack on police training center in northwest Pakistan

Three militants killed after attack on police training center in northwest Pakistan
  • Attack claimed by Pakistani Taliban came after reported airstrikes in Kabul that sought to target the group’s chief
  • Afghans accused Pakistan of violating the country’s airspace and bombing a border town, warning of consequences

PESHAWAR: At least three militants were killed late Friday night after heavily armed gunmen mounted an attack on a police training center in Dera Ismail Khan, triggering an intense firefight, according to a law enforcement official.

The attack came a day after reports of airstrikes in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that reportedly sought to target Noor Wali Mehsud, the Pakistani Taliban chief.

The militant group, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the assault, saying a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the gate of the training center before others entered the facility.

Initial reports from the area also mentioned explosions followed by an exchange of heavy fire.

“As of now, three terrorists have been killed in the ongoing firefight,” Yaqoob Khan, police spokesman in the area, told Arab News over the phone. “The operation is still underway, and more information will be shared once the situation becomes clear.”

He said militants attacked the facility with heavy weapons, adding that a large contingent of police and security forces rushed to the scene upon receiving information.

Imran Khan, another police official, said the training center is located in Ratta Kulachi, a locality on the outskirts of the city.

He informed that additional police personnel had been deployed and the area had been cordoned off.

Pakistan has frequently blamed the Afghan Taliban for harboring TTP militants, saying the group launches cross-border attacks against its security forces and civilians, though Kabul has denied the allegation.

Earlier on Friday, the Afghan defense ministry accused Pakistan of violating its airspace and bombing a border town, warning of consequences.

Separately, the Pakistani military vowed to do “whatever is necessary” to defend the country’s territorial integrity, saying it wanted the Afghan administration to ensure its soil was not used for attacks against Pakistan, calling it “a fair and just demand.”