The federal government has announced the closure of five camps that housed Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The move is part of Pakistan’s broader repatriation policy for Afghan citizens.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) issued an official notification on Friday. According to the document, three camps were closed in Haripur, one in Chitral, and another in Upper Dir. The government also ordered that the land of these camps be handed over to the provincial government and relevant deputy commissioners.
Among the closed camps, the Panyan camp in Haripur is the most significant. It was one of the largest and oldest settlements for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan. For nearly 40 years, it served as a home to over 100,000 people.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has often reported that a majority of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan live in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The closure of these camps could have a direct impact on thousands of families who have been part of local communities for decades.
The decision has already faced criticism from within the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur opposed the closures, warning against forced repatriation. He emphasized that such measures must take humanitarian concerns into account. He also underlined the long-standing cultural and historical links between the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghan citizens.
The closure of these camps shows the government’s determination to move ahead with its repatriation plan. However, it also highlights the humanitarian challenges faced by Afghan Refugees who have spent generations in Pakistan. With more policy steps expected in the future, the fate of thousands of families remains uncertain.
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