Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday met Afghanistan’s Acting Consul General Molvi Muhammad Habib Nasir and discussed the ongoing repatriation of Afghan refugees from the province.
The chief minister said that the provincial government was effectively implementing the national policy on the withdrawal of foreigners and was extending full cooperation to Afghan refugees returning to their homeland. He noted that special instructions had already been issued to ensure care for elderly people, women, and children during the process.
Bugti said the provincial government was in close coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure that the repatriation process moves forward with dignity and humanitarian consideration. “Our traditions are based on respect for humanity and mutual brotherhood. We regard Afghan women as our mothers and sisters and have directed the administration to ensure that no individual faces hardship or inconvenience during the process,” he stated.
To facilitate the effort, the CM said a senior officer, Muhammad Fareedon, had been appointed as focal person to oversee administrative coordination and address any issues refugees may encounter. “The return of Afghan refugees will be a gradual and dignified process, and the provincial government is extending full humanitarian support,” Bugti added.
He emphasized that the dignified return of Afghan refugees was in the best interest of both Balochistan and the two brotherly countries. The meeting was also attended by provincial assembly member Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai and civil society representative Alauddin Khilji.
According to the government’s decision, the third phase of deportation of illegal Afghan refugees and other foreigners began nationwide on September 1. Under this phase, both registered and unregistered refugees are being sent back. So far, more than 30,000 people have returned to Afghanistan, including 20,000 who left voluntarily.
In Quetta, over 33 educational institutions and health centers being run by Afghan nationals have been issued notices, while district administration and police remain active in the repatriation drive against illegal foreign residents.
