85,000 Afghans repatriated as 10 refugee camps close in Balochistan

QUETTA: 10 Afghan refugee camps in Balochistan have been completely closed, and 85,000 Afghans residing in these camps have been sent back to Afghanistan.

According to official sources, 10 Afghan refugee camps in Balochistan have been completely closed.

Of the camps to be closed, one was located in Quetta, 2 in Pishin, 3 in Loralai, 3 in Chagai, while one was located in Qila-e-Saifullah.

A total of 85,000 refugees were residing in these camps, who have now been sent back. A total of about 500,000 refugees in the province were registered in the commissionerate.

On the other hand, a crackdown against Afghan refugees is also ongoing in Quetta, and 3,888 refugees residing illegally in the city were arrested yesterday.

The Spin Boldak border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been reopened only for trade activities, according to sources.

Due to some sensitive issues, pedestrian movement of ordinary citizens has not been allowed yet.

Officials related to trade crossing and clearance on both sides of the border have assumed their responsibilities.

Today, only empty trucks have been allowed to enter, while passports and visas have been made mandatory for Afghan drivers.

According to sources, the Torkham border will also be opened tomorrow on the same conditions, regarding which a letter has been sent to the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad.

The other three crossing points, Ghulam Khan, Angor Adda, and Kharlachi, are likely to remain inactive for the time being.