Peshawar authorities have launched a major crackdown on Afghan refugees. The government plans to shut down 37 Afghan refugee camps after the 10 December deadline. Demolition teams will start the operations immediately.
Security teams have arrested undocumented Afghans without visas or passports. They handed the detainees over at the Torkham border to Afghan Border Security officials. Hundreds of refugees are returning home voluntarily as authorities reopen the border temporarily.
The province finalised its toughest operation yet against Afghan refugees. Officials expect a new strict policy to take effect on 1 January. Under Section 14 of the Foreign Act, federal departments can act against undocumented foreigners.
The federal government approved the closure of 42 Afghan refugee camps across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities have already started the implementation. They will deport all detained individuals after processing.
The crackdown on Afghan refugees aims to regulate refugees in Peshawar. It also strengthens the government’s control over refugee settlements in the province.
