27th Amendment Passed – Illegal Afghan Nationals Sent Back Peacefully – 6pm News Headlines – 24 News HD
The 27th Amendment mentioned in recent news refers to a controversial constitutional amendment in Pakistan, not the United States, which relates to judicial and military powers. This amendment has no connection to the repatriation of Afghan nationals.
The 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1992 and deals with preventing any law increasing or decreasing the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until the start of the next set of terms of office.
The news about “illegal Afghan nationals” being sent back peacefully refers to Pakistan’s ongoing Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). This plan, implemented by the Pakistani government since late 2023, involves the phased deportation of undocumented foreigners and registered Afghan refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
Key points regarding the repatriation effort:
- The Pakistani government set deadlines for Afghan nationals to leave the country voluntarily, after which crackdowns and forced deportations began.
- The process is part of a broad policy announced by Pakistan to manage the presence of a large number of Afghan refugees.
- Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have returned to Afghanistan, either voluntarily or through deportation, since the plan was initiated.
- The repatriation plan has faced criticism and concern from human rights organizations and the United Nations regarding the treatment and forced return of refugees.
It said Nizamani “acknowledged the concerns and said the issue would be shared with relevant authorities”.
The statement added that both sides emphasised the importance of taking mutually constructive steps and encouraged high-level visits and dialogue to strengthen bilateral ties.
Over 860,000 Afghans have left Pakistan since September 2023, with more than half a million entering Afghanistan through border crossings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the government and UN data.
Pakistan has been carrying out phase-wise repatriation of Afghans living in the country.
During the first phase, which started in 2023, the government sent back Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan.
In the second phase, which began earlier this year, registered Afghan refugees carrying the Afghan Citizen Cards were asked to leave Pakistan by April 1.
According to the data released by the International Organisation for Migration, from Sept 15, 2023, to April 5, 2025, 861,763 Afghans have returned to their country.
The Afghan interim government has called upon the United Nations and international organisations to ensure the dignified return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan
