PESHAWAR – Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have started selling their properties and preparing to return to Afghanistan as a new phase of the voluntary repatriation initiative commenced on 1 August.
The move follows government directives aimed at encouraging undocumented individuals to return to their home country in an orderly manner.
Residents of Afghan Colony, Ring Road, Nauthia and other areas have begun vacating homes. Large trucks are being booked to transport families and belongings. “I have lived here for 12 years, but now we are preparing to go back,” said Mohammad Gul, a refugee arranging transport to Jalalabad.
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In parallel, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated a crackdown on mobile SIMs issued to Afghan nationals, with service suspensions already underway. Officials say the action aims to curb unregistered communication networks and ensure regulatory compliance.
The Home Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued notices to refugees residing illegally, and commercial establishments run by undocumented Afghans may also face closure. Authorities insist the campaign is being carried out under legal frameworks and with due process.
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Government representatives have stated that the operation is part of a broader policy to regulate border movements and maintain internal security. However, rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure that repatriation remains voluntary and is handled with dignity.
Bookings for vehicles heading to Afghanistan have increased sharply in recent days, and border management officials expect the pace of departures to rise further over the next few weeks.
