Swat Sets July 10 Deadline for Undocumented Afghan Nationals to Leave Pakistan

The Deputy Commissioner of Swat has directed undocumented Afghan nationals residing in the district to leave Pakistan and return to Afghanistan by July 10, 2026, warning that legal action will be taken against those who remain after the deadline.

According to an official notification issued by the district administration, the directive applies to Afghan nationals residing in Swat without legal documentation. The administration said enforcement measures would be taken against individuals who fail to comply with the deadline.

Registration Required for Eligible Afghan Nationals

The notification states that Afghan nationals holding valid visas or protected under stay orders issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan or any High Court must immediately register with their nearest police station and the Foreign Desk at the District Police Officer (DPO) Office’s Command and Control Centre.

Officials said the registration process is intended to verify the legal status of individuals who are permitted to remain in the country.

Administration Offers Free Transportation

The district administration announced that Afghan families voluntarily returning to Afghanistan will be provided free transportation to the Torkham transit camp after coordination with the designated focal person.

According to official figures, 3,071 Afghan nationals were residing in Swat. Of those, 2,074 have already returned to Afghanistan, while approximately 732 have submitted documents related to repatriation or verification of their legal status.

Residents Call for Equal Enforcement

According to local sources, some undocumented Afghan nationals, including individuals reportedly involved in large-scale businesses, have yet to leave the district.

Some residents have alleged that enforcement measures are being applied more strictly to ordinary undocumented migrants than to influential business figures. They have urged authorities to ensure immigration laws are enforced fairly and consistently, regardless of financial or social status.

The district administration has not publicly responded to those allegations.

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