PESHAWAR
The voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues, with the establishment of a holding camp in Landi Kotal.
According to official reports, 40 more individuals were repatriated through the Torkham border on Thursday, bringing the total number of repatriated Afghan Citizen Card holders to 193.
Since the start of the repatriation process, a total of 470,722 individuals have been repatriated to Afghanistan through the Torkham border.
As per the details shared by the provincial government that 8,953 Afghani repatriated from KP 1,561 from Islamabad 1,309 from Punjab, 38 from Azad Kashmir and 44 from Sindh province.
The total number of individuals repatriated from KP has reached 477,434.
Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Abid Majid visited the holding camp in Landi Kotal, accompanied by Director General PDMA Asfandyar Khattak and Deputy Commissioner Khyber Captain (Retd) Bilal Shahid Rao.
The officials reviewed the arrangements made for the repatriation process, including the deployment of health department staff and Rescue 1122.
The repatriation process, which was voluntary until March 31, 2025, will now involve the registration of Afghan Citizen Card holders and undocumented immigrants at the holding camp, followed by their repatriation to Afghanistan through the Torkham border.
The holding camp in Landi Kotal has been equipped with basic facilities to facilitate the repatriation process. The camp will be managed by the district administration, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), NADRA, FIA, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant departments.
The repatriation process is being carried out in accordance with the agreed-upon modalities between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The process aims to ensure the dignified and safe return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.
The government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the repatriation process, while also emphasizing the need for international support and assistance to ensure the sustainable reintegration of returnees in Afghanistan.
