Peshawar – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has refused to support the forced deportation of Afghan refugees set for April 1 but has assured the federal government that it will facilitate those returning voluntarily.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur recently opposed the forced deportation of Afghan refugees in a press conference, reaffirming that the province will not expel long-term Afghan residents against their will.
The federal government has given Afghan refugees until March 31 to leave Pakistan. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have decided not to forcefully remove refugees residing in districts like Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Mardan, and Nowshera. Instead, officials will allow them to leave at their discretion. A special office at the Torkham border will assist them in correcting their travel documents, and the federal government will provide transport and other facilities to ensure a smooth transition.
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Authorities in Punjab and Islamabad will be responsible for assisting Afghan refugees in their respective areas. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa officials have issued strict guidelines to both federal and provincial departments to manage the deportation of Afghan refugees. With the deadline approaching, officials expect a major operation against undocumented individuals. Many illegal Afghan refugees and Citizen Card holders have already begun closing their businesses in anticipation of the crackdown.
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Government reports indicate that more than 7,000 Afghan refugees have acquired illegal Pakistani identity cards. Officials have ordered legal action against them. As the March 31 deadline nears, authorities are intensifying security measures to enforce repatriation policies.
The provincial government remains firm in its position. While it will comply with federal directives, it will ensure that the deportation of Afghan refugees occurs voluntarily, without the use of force.
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