ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially commenced the deportation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country, following the expiration of the extended deadline.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the stay period for Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards ended on June 30. A grace period was granted until July 31, after which the repatriation process began yesterday.

Authorities have initiated the enforcement phase to ensure the removal of all undocumented Afghan residents from Pakistan.

According to the notification, the jail administration and the relevant agencies will assist in the dismissal of illegal Afghans, under section 14 of the Foreignrs Act, the trial or convicted Afghans will also be expelled.

The Interior Ministry statement said that Afghan will not be expelled in a trial other than Section 14 of the Foreignrs Act.

On the other hand, Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Khan Matuqi is visiting Pakistan on Monday where he will meet with top political and military officials, including Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.