Islamabad, July 15: Pakistan has expedited the return of Afghan refugees, sending 525 families back to Afghanistan via the Torkham border. The three refugee camps in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are now completely vacated.
According to local media, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Umar Khitab Khan stated that the repatriation of Afghan refugees is being conducted in phases, as per directives from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
As reported by the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, these families were residing in refugee camps located in the Bijan Khel, Ghoriwala, and Mamand Khel areas of Bannu. They were transported back to Afghanistan through the Torkham border.
The ADC mentioned that authorities are now focusing on Afghan nationals living in rented accommodations or private homes in Bannu and surrounding areas. He noted that records of these Afghan citizens are being sent to the relevant police stations, and steps are being taken for their swift return.
Families wishing to return voluntarily can stay at temporary transit centers established by the district administration. From there, officials will arrange transportation to ensure they reach the Torkham border for their return to Afghanistan.
On June 28, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior ordered that any Afghan citizen found in the country without a valid visa after July 10 should be arrested immediately.
According to Dawn, this directive was issued to chief secretaries of all provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration. The decision was based on resolutions made during a review meeting of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) held on June 1.
The ministry’s notification stated that during the meeting, all provincial governments, special area administrations, and the ICT administration were instructed to expedite the return or deportation process for Afghan citizens, including those whose visa periods have expired, and to strictly enforce the IFRP.
The ministry emphasized that all deputy commissioners, district administrations, police, and other law enforcement agencies should be given necessary instructions to effectively implement these orders.
Pakistan initiated this campaign for the return of Afghan citizens in 2023. It was intensified last April when the government revoked residence permits for a large number of Afghans and warned them that failure to leave the country could result in arrest.
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