ISLAMABAD: Pakistan orders closure of five Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government has announced the closure of five Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as part of its wider repatriation strategy for Afghan citizens. The move, confirmed on Friday, has sparked political debate and raised concerns about the humanitarian impact on displaced families.
Camps Ordered to Shut Down
According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), three camps in Haripur, one in Chitral, and one in Upper Dir will be closed. The federal government has directed the transfer of these facilities to the provincial government and respective deputy commissioners.
Among these, the Panyan camp in Haripur stands out. Once home to over 100,000 Afghan refugees, it was one of the largest and oldest settlements in Pakistan. For nearly four decades, it provided shelter to families displaced by conflict in Afghanistan.
UNHCR Identifies KP as Key Refugee Hub
Data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shows that the majority of Afghan refugees in Pakistan reside in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the closure of these five camps, thousands of families who have lived in the province for decades may face displacement or forced repatriation.
Observers note that this policy shift could place additional pressure on refugee communities already struggling with limited resources and uncertain futures.
Political Opposition Emerges
The decision has triggered opposition from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who has voiced strong concerns. Gandapur warned against the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, emphasizing that any decision must account for humanitarian considerations.
He also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghan citizens, urging the federal government to rethink measures that could disrupt longstanding relationships.
What Lies Ahead
The camp closures mark a significant development in Pakistan’s broader policy on Afghan refugees. While the government maintains that the move is necessary to regulate undocumented populations, human rights advocates stress the importance of safeguarding vulnerable communities.
With over a million Afghans still living in Pakistan, how the government balances security concerns with humanitarian responsibilities will remain a critical issue in the months ahead.
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