Following last week’s Jaffar Express train hijack by BLA fighters, Pakistan has declined the Afghan Taliban government’s request to grant extension to Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders. Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior said Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Program (IFRP) has been implemented since November 1, 2023.
This is a continuation of the Pakistani government’s decision to repatriate all illegal foreigners, including ACC holders. There are around 800,000 ACC holders in the country. An official statement said all illegal foreigners and ACC holders are advised to leave the country voluntarily before 31 March 2025. The government will commence with deportation with effect from 1 April 2025.
Pakistan’s stance will push back Afghanistan’s Taliban government further. It will aggravate the already tense relations between the two neighbors.
Also Read: Jaffar Express Train Hijack Ends: Pakistan Rescues All Hostages, Kills 33 Baloch Fighters
Pakistan Trying to Corner Afghan Taliban Government
Islamabad’s decision comes after the Afghan Taliban government failed to take action on terror groups using its soil to carry out attacks in Pakistan. According to reports, Afghan nationals were behind the recent terrorist attack targeting the Bannu Cantonment and the exchange of fire at the Torkham border crossing.
Moreover, Pakistan and Afghanistan have a dispute over the new check post that the latter was constructing on Pakistani territory. It had also asked the Taliban to create an environment in Afghanistan to encourage the dignified return of their countrymen.
Present-day, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at their worst as Islamabad accuses the Taliban of failing to curb terrorist groups from operating on Afghan soil. After the Taliban rose to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan witnessed a rise in terrorism, security issues, and rise of militancy.
