LAHORE – Pakistan is moving to speed up the return of Afghan refugees as the federal government pushes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to send them back without delay. Officials say the country cannot afford further security risks linked to recent attacks.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that Pakistan is facing repeated explosions involving Afghan nationals. He noted that the government has already sent back a large number of refugees under its ongoing repatriation plan. According to the UNHCR, around one million Afghan citizens returned to Afghanistan this year.
The operation previously focused on individuals without legal documents. Authorities have now decided to include holders of Afghan Proof of Registration cards and Afghan Citizen Cards. The new phase aims to widen the campaign and bring all groups under the same policy.
Naqvi criticized KP for not meeting federal directives. He said the province has been slow to remove certain settlements. He also stated that Afghan Refugee Camps in Peshawar, Kohat, and Nowshera continue to operate even after orders for closure. The minister claimed that these locations must be cleared as part of national security efforts.
He linked Afghan nationals to several recent attacks. These include the assault on FC Headquarters, the attack at Wana Cadet College, and incidents in Islamabad. He said these examples highlight the urgency of the repatriation plan.
Naqvi announced strict new instructions for local police. Starting next week, every SHO will be required to identify Afghan citizens living in their area. He said they must ensure the repatriation process moves forward without excuses.
The minister added that by April 2025, more than 1.1 million Afghan citizens had already been returned. He said the campaign is now expanding nationwide and will include all regions. He also stated that Pakistan will continue sending refugees back and that there will be no exceptions.
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Authorities expect more closures of Afghan Refugee Camps as the government strengthens its enforcement. Officials say this approach aims to improve security and ensure clear documentation across the country.
