Pakistan

Authorities to initiate forced deportation of Afghans after deadline expires

Published by

Digital Desk

1 year ago

ISLAMABAD: The government has ordered the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees residing illegally in Pakistan as the deadline has expired, with no extension granted for voluntary departure.

Earlier, the government had given a deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and illegal foreigners to leave the country by March 31.

The process of repatriation of illegal Afghans is continuing, with the total number of returnees stands at 885,902, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

As per the details, ACC holders currently in Pakistan will be detained, and authorities will ensure the safe return of these individuals to Afghanistan.

In response to this situation, temporary camps have been set up in Peshawar and Landi Kotal for Afghan Citizen Card holders

In Twin cities, the authorities have set up a refugee holding centre near Golra Mor, and since January this year, as many as 923 Afghan nationals were rounded up and shifted to the center.

Official data shows that as of March 26, 923 Afghan nationals had been brought to the camp, of whom 715 were released after scrutiny. At least 213 were sent to Torkham for repatriation.

Afghan authorities have established reception and registration camps near the Torkham border to facilitate the process.

The total number of Afghan Citizen Card holders currently in Pakistan is estimated to be around 800,000. These individuals will be sent back to Afghanistan in a second phase.

Notably, the first phase of the repatriation, involving approximately 700,000 unregistered individuals, has already been completed.

Digital Desk