Over ‘61,000 Afghans’ repatriated via Chaman
Afghan families gather at the Afghan diplomatic mission in Quetta to complete their registration for a safe return to their homeland. PHOTO: PPI
More than 61,000 Afghan citizens have been returned to their home country through the Balochistan’s Chaman border while 499 through the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Torkham border as the operation to repatriate foreign immigrants detained in Quetta continues.
Chaman Deputy Commissioner Raja Athar Abbas said the Chaman holding camp was serving as a key centre for deportation through the Pak-Afghan border.
“This concerted effort aims to address the issue of illegal immigration, extending its reach throughout the province.”
The government launched a countrywide crackdown against illegal immigrants from Nov 1.
As part of this operation, Abbas said, authorities had arrested a significant number of illegal immigrants across various divisions of Quetta.
He said specifically, 620 individuals were detained in Quetta, 116 in the City Division, 62 in the Quaidabad Division, 323 in the Sadar Division and 119 in the Saryab Division.
These individuals, who were foreign immigrants, were subsequently transferred to the Chaman holding camp for deportation to Afghanistan.
The deputy commissioner emphasised that the Pak-Afghan border remained open for deportation of foreigners until midnight every day.
This ongoing operation sought to address the issue of illegal immigration, ensuring the return of those who had been residing in Pakistan without proper documentation.
“The cooperation between the authorities and the Chaman holding camp serves as a crucial step towards managing this situation effectively,” he added.
The K-P Home and Tribal Affairs Department spokesperson said that 499 illegal foreigners, mostly Afghans, were repatriated from the Peshawar transit point.
The spokesperson said last night, 166 illegal immigrants from Peshawar and 166 from Nowshera were deported.
He said the last convey carrying 45 illegal foreigners was deported.
The spokesperson said free transport service and food were provided to the illegal immigrants.
“Voluntarily repatriation is being encouraged,” added.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2023.