Hundreds of Afghan nationals voluntarily repatriated during ongoing operation
- Since April 2, 2025, a total of 511 Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan, including 193 ACC holders.
- The Pakistani government has established transit centers to facilitate the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals.
- Ongoing efforts to manage Afghan refugee repatriation indicate a significant policy shift by the federal government.
In Afghanistan, voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees continues as 511 Afghan nationals, including 193 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, have returned since April 2, 2025. On April 3, 2025, 153 ACC holders left, followed by an additional 40 on the night of April 4, 2025. These individuals were primarily relocated via the Torkham border crossing, a significant transit point for returning Afghan nationals. The repatriation process not only includes those with proper documentation but is also expanded to address illegal Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan. As part of the repatriation initiative, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, has taken actions to deport illegal Afghan nationals who have been identified through the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra). In this regard, 184 Afghan nationals were transferred from Sargodha, while 134 were brought to KP from Gujrat for deportation back to Afghanistan. The authorities emphasized the need to distinguish between registered and unregistered Afghan nationals in this repatriation plan. The Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, Asmatullah Shah, has played a pivotal role in this operation, alongside various agencies, by visiting transit points to oversee the conditions and processes involved in the repatriation plan. The KP government has established two transit centers specifically aimed at aiding this movement: one located on Nasir Bagh Road in Peshawar and another in Landi Kotal, Khyber district. These facilities are designed to streamline the repatriation process for those illegally residing in Pakistan, ensuring that they receive necessary services and support during their transition back to Afghanistan. The backdrop of this repatriation operation is tied to the broader context of managing and regulating Afghan refugees within Pakistan, many of whom have been residing in the country for extended periods. The federal government's decision to initiate the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan Phase-II underscores its commitment to addressing this longstanding issue, seeking to implement a structured approach to the return of Afghan nationals. As such, this ongoing operation reflects a significant policy shift regarding refugee management between the two neighboring countries, highlighting the challenges associated with immigration and border control in the region.