Pakistan's Renewed Push for Afghan Repatriation Intensifies

In a significant development, Pakistan has intensified its campaign to repatriate Afghan nationals residing in its southwestern region, prompting a mass exodus towards the Chaman border, as reported by Dawn. Government officials have been instructed to carry out the repatriation in a 'respectful and orderly manner', according to Meharullah, a senior official in Quetta.

On Friday, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people were reportedly at the Chaman border awaiting their return to Afghanistan. Abdul Latif Hakimi, head of Refugee Registration in Kandahar, confirmed an uptick in returning Afghans, reflecting an ongoing deportation effort first initiated in 2023.

The deportation campaign targets over 800,000 Afghans with temporary residence permits. Analysts suggest Pakistan aims to pressure Afghanistan's Taliban government to address cross-border militancy. The campaign resonates with many Pakistanis as economic challenges and security threats persist, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)