This order affects about 1.7 million Afghans living without legal status in Pakistan, and they are to return to Afghanistan during the coming months.
There are also reports that the government aims for all Afghans to eventually leave the country, including those with legal resident status. In recent weeks more than 1 thousand Afghans have been detained, even those with legal rights to be in Pakistan. Starting November, only Afghans holding valid passports and visas will be allowed entry.
This presents a significant problem, as getting a passport in Afghanistan can be a lengthy process and securing a Pakistani visa equally challenging.