More Than 23,000 Afghans in Quetta Face Repatriation

DID Press: More than 23,000 Afghan nationals currently living in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, are expected to be repatriated as Pakistani authorities continue operations targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

The figure was disclosed at a review meeting on the repatriation of Afghan refugees held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Quetta Division Commissioner Zeeshan Lashari. The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing repatriation operations, administrative measures, challenges and the next steps.

Officials said joint operations involving the district administration, police, Frontier Corps and other relevant institutions were continuing to facilitate the return process. Authorities are also coordinating with agencies involved in the administration and registration of foreign nationals.

According to Pakistani officials, around 23,000 Afghan refugees remain in Quetta, and measures are being taken to process their return in accordance with government rules and policies.

The latest figures come amid Pakistan’s continuing campaign to repatriate Afghan nationals. Pakistani authorities have maintained that undocumented foreigners should leave the country, while the process has resulted in large numbers of Afghans returning or being deported to Afghanistan.