Afghan refugee repatriation in Balochistan has accelerated as authorities closed 10 refugee camps across the province, sending around 85,000 Afghan nationals back to their homeland. The step is part of Pakistan’s ongoing campaign for an organized and voluntary return of undocumented refugees.
According to official sources, the closed camps included one in Quetta, two in Pishin, three in Loralai, three in Chagai, and one in Killa Saifullah. These facilities had long hosted thousands of Afghan families who settled in Pakistan during decades of conflict.
The Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees confirmed that nearly 500,000 Afghan nationals were officially registered across Balochistan. Many of them have already returned voluntarily or been repatriated under government supervision.
In Quetta, the crackdown against illegal residents continues. Over the past 24 hours, authorities detained 3,888 undocumented Afghan citizens. Officials stated that these operations are aimed at identifying unregistered refugees and ensuring their safe return.
At the Chaman border, crossings remain closed for pedestrians but have partially reopened for trade-related traffic between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Only empty trucks are being allowed to enter Afghanistan under strict monitoring, and Afghan drivers must carry valid passports and visas. Trucks transporting Afghan refugees as part of the repatriation process have also been given permission to cross.
Customs officials said that more than 1,500 trucks loaded with essential goods, including rice, medicines, and cement, are still waiting at Torkham for clearance. Trade movement is expected to normalize once both sides complete verification and documentation procedures.
According to official statistics, over 1.4 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan so far. This figure includes 163,000 Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders and 80,000 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders.
Officials described the ongoing effort as an “honourable and organized return” of Afghan citizens. They emphasized that Pakistan’s decades-long hospitality toward millions of Afghan refugees is now entering its final phase, as authorities ensure a safe, lawful, and dignified repatriation process.
