K-P readies final phase of deportations

Around 20,000 Afghan nationals in Peshawar to be repatriated

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has completed all preparations for the decisive phase of deporting illegally residing Afghan refugees, with plans finalised to send approximately 20,000 Afghan nationals from Peshawar back to Afghanistan in a phased manner.

Under the federal and provincial government's repatriation drive targeting illegal immigrants and those holding specific or questionable documents, law enforcement agencies have compiled comprehensive lists of Afghan residents. Sources said the Special Branch, District Security Branch, and Peshawar Police have finalised detailed data of the individuals concerned, while the services of the Federal Constabulary have also been requisitioned to assist in the operation.

According to Peshawar Police officials, the formal operation will commence immediately after the conclusion of the ongoing polio vaccination campaign. In the first phase, Afghan families living in both urban and rural areas of Peshawar will be shifted to the Nasir Bagh Transit Centre. After completion of registration and other formalities, they will be repatriated to Afghanistan via the Torkham border.

The K-P government has been formally briefed about the plan, and all relevant departments have been directed to ensure coordinated and smooth implementation of the operation.

Police have collected particulars of Afghan refugees from several key residential areas, including Afghan Colony, Charsadda Road, Bakshu, Chamkani, Pashtakhara, Ring Road, Nasir Bagh, Board Bazaar, Rashid Garhi, Panj Katha Chowk, Shero Jhangi, Khazana, and Warsak Road colonies. Separate lists have also been prepared for Afghan nationals associated with businesses in Fruit Market, Vegetable Market, Sheba Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, and various factories and markets.

Police officials emphasised that the repatriation will be carried out in a dignified manner in accordance with the provincial government's plan. They warned that any attempt to create trouble or resort to violence will be dealt with strictly.