Pakistan has embarked on a significant initiative to repatriate Afghan refugees living within its borders. Pakistani government and military leadership have ordered the eviction of illegal Afghan residents by the looming October 31 deadline.
Daily departures are taking place at the Chaman border, ensuring their safe and dignified return to Afghanistan.
The Afghan refugees who have found solace in Pakistan for over four decades, expressed their gratitude for the hospitality they received during their stay.
Their sentiments reflect the deep bonds forged during their time in Pakistan:
One of the Afghan refugees said: "We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for sheltering us for forty years. We came to Pakistan when there was a war going on in our country, and we were treated like brothers here.”
“We are thankful that we have been taken care of so much, and today we are going back to our country. We are going back to our country with our happiness and commitment and pray that Pakistan will always be prosperous."
"There was no violence against us, and we are going back to Afghanistan voluntarily because we had no documents.”
What will happen after Nov 1 deadline?
The process involves identifying individuals without the necessary documents for legal residence in Pakistan and facilitating their departure by November 1.
Temporary camps
To ensure a smooth transition, holding areas and temporary camps have been established across various districts. These facilities offer accommodation, food, medical aid, and security. Separate residences are provided for men and women, with registration desks operated by FIA staff using specially developed software by NADRA.
The local population has expressed support for these measures, emphasizing the importance of adherence to national laws:
A local resident said: “Just as a visa and passport are required to enter every other country, similarly entry into our country without a visa and passport should be prohibited. The orders implemented by the government are very strong.”
“Every country has its own laws and principles, so Pakistan should also implement its own laws and enforce them. All foreign people should take the legal route to come to Pakistan; it is good for them and also for us."
The ongoing return of Afghan citizens highlights Pakistan's commitment to being a responsible and compassionate neighbor, having provided shelter to Afghanistan's war victims for decades. This initiative not only signifies the government's determination to uphold its integrity but also aims to eliminate issues such as terrorism, drug-related crimes, and smuggling associated with Afghan refugees.
On October 28, a total of 4,572 Afghan citizens returned to their homeland. The group consisted of 1,292 men, 668 women, and 2,612 children, further exemplifying the comprehensive nature of this repatriation effort. To date, a staggering 86,546 Afghan refugees have been successfully repatriated, marking a significant step toward fulfilling the government's commitment to its national mission.
