Peshawar: In a sweeping regulatory push, authorities in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have directed Afghan nationals to immediately acquire valid passports and visas in order to continue residing and conducting business legally in the country, Dawn reported.
The order, announced on Thursday by the Khyber district administration, comes as Pakistan accelerates efforts to identify, regulate, and repatriate illegal foreigners. Assistant Commissioner of Landi Kotal, Afrasiyab Zubair, and Additional Assistant Commissioner Shahabuddin informed local elders during a meeting that Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards would now also be required to carry national passports bearing valid Pakistani visas. They cautioned that any violations after the August 31 deadline would invite legal consequences.
This directive has added urgency for tens of thousands of Afghans living in border districts like Landi Kotal, who have historically relied on PoR cards to legitimize their stay. Authorities insist that stricter enforcement is necessary to strengthen border security and ensure compliance with national laws.
However, the situation has sparked controversy on the ground. Abu Bakar, a Landi Kotal resident, accused Tehsildar Taimur Afridi of unlawfully detaining his brother, Hazrat Ali, over a fabricated monetary dispute.Â
