Pakistan has tightened border controls by banning Afghan commercial vehicles whose drivers lack valid visas, marking a major shift in its enforcement policy at trade crossings.

The Ministry of Commerce announced that a one-year grace period granted to Afghan drivers has officially ended, and strict visa requirements are now being enforced to bolster border security.

The move comes alongside a renewed deportation campaign targeting undocumented Afghan nationals in Pakistan’s southwestern regions.

Officials confirmed on Friday that thousands of Afghans have begun moving toward the Chaman border following government orders to leave the country.

According to French News Agency “ÄFP”, Pakistani authorities have directed provincial administrations to ensure removal of illegal Afghan residents in a “dignified and orderly manner”.

A senior government official in Quetta, Mehrullah stated that he received instructions from Home Department to launch a new campaign for the returns of all Afghans, it should be carried out with dignity and order.

Local officials in Chaman Balochistan, Habib Bangulzai reported that between 4,000 to 5,000 Afghan nationals were currently waiting at the border to cross back to Afghanistan. Across the border in Kandahar province, the head of refugee registration, Abdul Latif Hakimi confirmed that repatriations have increased.

Strict Visa enforcement for Afghan drivers

On the other hand, the Pakistani government has tightened entry requirements for Afghan commercial vehicles. They banned the entry of trucks with drivers not having their visas.

The Ministry of Commerce announced that one year grace period for Afghan drivers to obtain visas has been ended. Strict actions will be taken to enhance border security.

However, Afghan trucks operating with temporary permit will be allowed to transport goods, under interim arrangements till August 31.

Crack down on Illegal residents in Quetta

Authorities in Quetta have intensified actions against undocumented Afghan residents.

In a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner, it was decided that individuals holding “Proof of Registration” (PoR) cards will be required to regularise their status by July 31. Those who fail to comply will face legal consequences.

Over one million Afghans left Pakistan

Pakistan’s mass deportation campaign was first initiated in 2023. It regain its momentum in April 2025 when residence permit of Afghan nationals were cancelled. Since then, more than one million Afghans have left Pakistan and nearly 200,000 returned since April. Security concerns and regional tensions

According to analysts, the crackdown is the part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to pressure Taliban government to curb rising cross-border militancy.

Pakistan witnessed record –high fatalities in terrorist incidents in 2024 and officials claim that Afghan nationals were involved in many attacks.

Public’s support for the deportation campaign has increased, the security forces face pressure from tribes and border areas.

Iran takes part in deportation

Iran takes similar steps of deporting Afghans, it has also ramped up the deportation process of Afghan refugees.

According to Iranian authorities, 1.5million Afghan nationals have been sent back from Iran.

Both countries continue to face growing challenges related to border security, migration management, and the long-term presence of Afghan refugees.