NewKerala.com

Pakistan to Intensify Afghan Refugee Crackdown in KP After Eid Holidays

Pakistani authorities are set to intensify operations against undocumented Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the Eid holidays. A voluntary repatriation drive for Afghan nationals is also commencing. This follows recent police raids in Swabi district where over 300 refugees were detained for deportation. The renewed crackdown will focus on refugees without valid documents, those running businesses, and cases involving mixed-status families.

Key Points: Pakistan Afghan Refugee Crackdown Intensifies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  • Crackdown resumes post-Eid
  • Focus on undocumented refugees & businesses
  • Voluntary repatriation begins
  • Over 300 detained in recent Swabi raids
2 min read

Pakistan: Operations against Afghan refugees set to intensify in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan resumes operations against undocumented Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Eid, with detentions and a voluntary repatriation drive underway.

"The raids will continue and all Afghan refugees, who are illegally residing in Swabi, will be detained and deported. - Dawn report sources"

Islamabad, March 24

Crackdown on undocumented Afghan refugees in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to intensify after Eid holidays, as per reliable sources, local media reported on Tuesday.

The authorities had imposed a temporary halt on arrests during the Eid period to allow families to observe the festival peacefully. As the Eid celebrations concluded, law enforcement personnel are poised to resume strict actions, targeting Afghan refugees who do not have valid documents, Pakistan's leading daily The Express Tribune reported.

The process of shutting nine Afghan refugee camps was halted during the Eid holidays will resume shortly after the break ends. Meanwhile, a voluntary repatriation drive for Afghan nationals is set to begin on Wednesday, encouraging those who want to go back to Afghanistan.

Policy-based measures have been put in place to determine the future status of Afghan refugees having citizen cards. A fresh survey to update refugee data has been suggested in Peshawar, The Express Tribune reported. Special focus will be placed on refugees owning businesses, those who have obtained Pakistani documents illegally, Afghan women married to Pakistani men and other mixed-status cases.

On March 15, over 300 illegal Afghan refugees have been detained by police during raids carried out in various parts of Swabi district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, local media reported.

A crackdown was launched after the district administration and police officials' decision to deport illegal Afghans, daily Dawn reported, citing sources. The police had ordered Station House Officers (SHOs) to keep data of all illegal Afghans in the jurisdictions of their police stations.

According to sources, 341 Afghan refugees were arrested during raids conducted in Topi, Razaar, Chota Lahor tehsils and other parts of Swabi on March 15. They mentioned that the raids will continue and all Afghan refugees, who are illegally residing in Swabi, will be detained and deported to Afghanistan.

Around 30,000 Afghan refugees still live in various parts of Swabi, with most of them having proper documentation, while others stay illegally. The sources revealed that these Afghan refugees were residing in Gandaf Refugees Camp and Gohati Refugees Camp, and a large number of them were staying in various farming fields and cities, Dawn reported.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a tough situation. Pakistan has hosted refugees for decades, but illegal immigration and security concerns are real. The survey to update data is a necessary step. However, cases of Afghan women married to Pakistani men need careful, compassionate handling. Families shouldn't be torn apart.
A
Aman W
From an Indian perspective, we see how uncontrolled borders can lead to long-term challenges. Documentation is key for any nation's security and planning. Pakistan's action, though harsh, underscores a global issue. Hope Afghanistan's situation stabilizes so people can return home safely. 🙏
S
Sarah B
The article mentions refugees owning businesses and those with illegal documents. This is often the root of local resentment - perceived economic competition and fraud. A transparent, legal framework is needed for everyone's benefit. The crackdown after Eid feels inevitable.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, the report from Pakistani media needs to be read with caution. There's often a gap between stated policy and ground reality. "Voluntary repatriation" under pressure isn't voluntary. India has also faced complex refugee situations; the human cost is always the highest.
K
Karthik V
30,000 refugees in just Swabi district is a huge number. It shows the scale of the issue. While action against illegals is understandable, I hope the majority with "proper documentation" are not harassed. Stability in our region suffers when such large populations are in flux.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50