Afghan Refugee Camps Set Up as Repatriation Continues

News Desk 

Islamabad: The deadline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan who were offered voluntary repatriation has officially ended, marking the beginning of their deportation to Afghanistan.

According to official sources, the March 31 deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to return voluntarily has expired, and from today, they will be considered illegal residents in Pakistan.

Authorities have stated that Afghan Citizen Card holders will now be detained and deported, with assurances that the repatriation process will be carried out in a dignified manner.

Temporary Camps Established for Processing

To facilitate the transition, temporary camps have been set up in Peshawar and Landi Kotal to accommodate Afghan Citizen Card holders before their deportation. These individuals will undergo biometric verification before being sent back to Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Afghan authorities have established reception and registration camps near the Torkham border to assist returning refugees upon arrival.

Second Phase of Repatriation Begins

The second phase of deportation targets around 800,000 Afghan Citizen Card holders currently residing in Pakistan. This follows the first phase of repatriation, during which approximately 700,000 unregistered Afghan nationals were returned to Afghanistan.

Pakistan had initiated its crackdown on illegal foreign residents last year, citing security concerns and border management challenges.

Authorities maintain that the deportation process is being carried out in coordination with Afghan officials to ensure an orderly return of refugees.