Federal Govt Orders Immediate Closure of Five Afghan Refugee Camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – In a significant move impacting the long-standing Afghan refugee population, the federal government has issued directives for the immediate closure of five major Afghan refugee camps located within the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The decision, confirmed by senior officials on [Insert Date], is part of a broader national strategy focused on security reassessment and the regulated repatriation of Afghan nationals.
Which Camps Are Affected?
According to the official notification, the five camps slated for closure are:
- Bagh (Nowshera District)
- Kacha Garhi (Peshawar District)
- Jalozai (Nowshera District) – One of the largest and most well-known camps.
- Girdi Jungle (Peshawar District)
- Chamkani (Peshawar District)
Authorities have been instructed to begin the process of winding down operations at these sites and to facilitate the safe and orderly relocation of the camp residents.
Rationale Behind the Decision
Government sources have cited a multi-faceted rationale for this decisive action:
- National Security Concerns: A primary factor is the reassessment of security dynamics in the region. The camps have long been viewed by security agencies as potential hideouts for individuals involved in illicit activities.
- Phased Repatriation Plan: This closure aligns with the government’s ongoing plan for the voluntary and documented repatriation of Afghan refugees back to their home country.
- Urban Planning and Regulation: The move is also seen as an effort to regulate urban sprawl and integrate the land back for developmental projects.
An interior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “This is a necessary step for national security and the proper management of foreign nationals in Pakistan. Our focus is on a dignified and secure process for all involved.”
Impact and Reactions
The closure is expected to affect tens of thousands of registered Afghan refugees who have called these camps home for decades, some since the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s.
Human rights organizations and aid groups have expressed immediate concern. They are urging the government to ensure that the process adheres to international principles of non-refoulement and that vulnerable families, including children and the elderly, are provided with adequate assistance and alternative shelter options.
“While we acknowledge the state’s sovereign right to manage its borders and security, the process must be humane,” said a representative from a local humanitarian agency. “There are serious concerns about where these families will go, especially with winter approaching.”
What’s Next for the Residents?
The government has indicated that camp residents will be given a specific timeframe to voluntarily return to Afghanistan with the assistance of repatriation packages. However, details of the timeline and the nature of this assistance remain unclear, leading to anxiety among the refugee community.
This development marks a critical juncture in Pakistan’s policy towards Afghan refugees and is likely to have significant humanitarian and diplomatic implications.
Stay tuned to Faiz.tv for further updates on this developing story.
