ISLAMABAD — October 17, 2025:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday categorically ruled out any further extension for Afghan refugees residing illegally in Pakistan, directing federal and provincial authorities to ensure their swift and dignified repatriation.
Chairing a high-level meeting attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and chief ministers of Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab — as well as representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir — the premier emphasized that Pakistan had “borne this burden long enough.” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was represented by Muzzammil Aslam after Chief Minister Sohail Afridi excused himself.
“The brave people of Pakistan, who sacrificed their loved ones in the war against terror, now ask how long will we continue to bear this burden?” said Shehbaz.
The prime minister expressed concern over increasing terror incidents involving Afghan nationals, noting that Pakistan had hosted millions of Afghans for decades despite facing its own economic and security challenges.
“It is alarming that attacks on Pakistan are being launched from Afghan soil and that Afghans are found involved in such incidents,” he added.
No More Grace Period
Officials briefed the meeting that the phased repatriation process had already begun, with 1.47 million Afghan nationals sent back as of October 16. The forum decided no further grace period would be granted to undocumented Afghans.
Shehbaz directed authorities to work in close coordination to complete the process “without delay,” adding that only Afghans holding valid visas would be allowed to stay in Pakistan.
He instructed officials to ensure elderly people, women, children, and minorities are treated with dignity during the repatriation drive.
“We will not allow any mistreatment — but the law will take its course,” he said.
Security and Border Management
The meeting also reviewed the expansion of exit points along the Afghan border to facilitate smoother repatriation. Participants were informed that harbouring or sheltering undocumented Afghans would be treated as a legal offense.
Praising the armed forces for repelling recent cross-border attacks, Shehbaz said:
“Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army repelled these attacks and proved once again that our forces know how to defend the motherland.”
The meeting ended with a unanimous decision to fully implement all recommendations related to the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals.
Tensions at the Border
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office stated that the Afghan Taliban regime is “not representative of the Afghan people,” asserting that “no formal government currently exists in Kabul.”
Tensions have been high since the night of October 11–12, when Afghan Taliban forces, allegedly supported by “Indian-sponsored elements of Fitna al-Khawarij,” launched what Pakistan described as an unprovoked attack along the border.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s security forces exercised the right to self-defence and inflicted heavy casualties on Taliban and allied militants during the engagement.
On October 15, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced a 48-hour ceasefire after Islamabad conducted precision strikes on Taliban and terrorist hideouts in Kandahar and Kabul.
The ministry said the temporary truce, requested by the Taliban, was aimed at creating “space for meaningful discussions and promoting stability along the border.”
