Single Visa Regime Enforcement Targets Illegal Afghan Nationals in Pakistan

Mar 2, 2026 | Public Policy, Afghanistan

Islamabad — Single visa regime enforcement took center stage as the federal government of Pakistan announced decisive actions under the Foreigners Act 1946 against illegal Afghan nationals on March 1, 2026. In a high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Interior retired Capt Mohammad Khurram Agha, officials resolved to accelerate combing operations and expand their scope across the capital and surrounding districts.

This move aims to bolster national security amid ongoing concerns over undocumented foreigners. Attendees, including Capital Development Authority Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, emphasized strict checks at entry points and enhanced surveillance via Safe City cameras.

The initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to sovereignty — ensuring all foreign nationals comply with legal entry requirements while protecting citizens from potential threats. As operations ramp up, community involvement and data integration with the Ministry of Interior’s dashboard will streamline efforts, reflecting the nation’s unified stance on border integrity.

Key Highlights

  • Federal government to implement single visa regime fully, with actions under Foreigners Act 1946 against illegal Afghan nationals.
  • Meeting chaired by Secretary Interior retired Capt Mohammad Khurram Agha reviewed law and order in Islamabad, deciding to accelerate and expand combing operations.
  • CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa reported ongoing legal actions against landlords and business owners harboring illegal foreigners, including FIR registrations.
  • Data from returning foreign nationals integrated into Ministry of Interior’s central dashboard for better tracking.
  • No relocation program implemented; local communities to be involved in identifying illegal residents.
  • Negahban committees formed in capital, with directives to establish them in other districts like Rawalpindi, Haripur, Murree, and Attock.
  • Strict checking at district entry/exit points, increased police presence at sensitive locations, and enhanced monitoring of highways and commercial areas via Safe City cameras.

Bolstering Security Through Legal Measures

The push for single visa regime enforcement comes as part of broader efforts to regulate foreign presence — a priority that has gained momentum since the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’s reimplementation in early 2025. Agha stressed the government’s unwavering commitment to safety, noting that effective legal actions are key to maintaining order. Randhawa, in his briefing, highlighted how FIRs against those providing shelter or business spaces to undocumented individuals have already yielded results — a practical step that hits enablers where it hurts.

Meanwhile, the integration of district data into a central dashboard marks a tech-savvy upgrade, allowing for real-time oversight. This isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s about empowering authorities to act swiftly — ensuring no corners are left unchecked.

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Community and Regional Collaboration

In a nod to grassroots involvement, Agha called for engaging local communities to root out illegal Afghan nationals, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Rizvi echoed this by announcing Negahban committees in Islamabad — neighborhood watch groups that could prove invaluable. He urged counterparts in adjoining districts to follow suit, turning the operation into a coordinated regional effort.

Observers noted the emphasis on entry/exit points: with heightened police and administrative presence, potential breaches get nipped early. Add in Safe City surveillance — monitoring suspicious activities across highways, markets, and homes — and you have a robust shield. It’s the kind of proactive stance that reassures families, knowing their streets are safer.

This single visa regime enforcement, building on policies like the One Document Regime mandating valid visas for all foreigners, not only upholds the law but also highlights Pakistan’s diplomatic resolve. By addressing undocumented stays — which have seen over a million repatriations since 2023 — the nation safeguards its resources and unity, paving the way for a more secure future.

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