In 1979, when the Russian invasion of Afghanistan took place, millions of Afghan nationals migrated to Pakistan. At first, they were placed in camps mostly in Peshawar, but with the passage of time, the refugees migrated to other cities of the country. PHOTO: INP
PARACHINAR: With just a week’s time to wrap up their belongings, Afghan refugees in Kurram Agency are finding it difficult to return to their home country.
The Kurram Agency political administration had earlier ordered that Afghan nationals be sent home within a week and warned of strict action against those left behind. The move was part of the ongoing crackdown against Afghan nationals across the country.
The refugees asked the government to reconsider the allocated time period.
Noshad Ali said the government was not helping. “We are going through considerable pain and have been living here for decades. Now the relevant authorities want us to leave.
Sher Hussain said even migrating from Peshawar to Islamabad was not possible within a week. He questioned how they could be expected to wind up everything in such a short period. “Give us a time period so we can gather everything and go back with respect and dignity,” he added.
Meanwhile, a political administration official told The Express Tribune on Sunday that a survey was being carried out to identify the property and rented houses of Afghan refugees. He added after the survey, the refugees will be sent back to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, authorities concerned in other areas, including Shabdqadar, also instructed Afghan refugees to relocate or action would be taken against them.
The backdrop
Thousands of Afghan refugees living in Khyber Agency and Mohmand Agency have already been sent back to Afghanistan from tribal areas.
In 1979, when the Russian invasion of Afghanistan took place, millions of Afghan nationals migrated to Pakistan. At first, they were placed in camps mostly in Peshawar, but with the passage of time, the refugees migrated to other cities of the country.
According to the UNHCR, 1.6 million Afghan refugees hailing from tribal areas and other cities of Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2016.
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