Commissioner Quetta reviews progress on Afghan refugee repatriation; 800,000 sent back so far
Commissioner Quetta Division Zeeshan Lashari chaired an important review meeting regarding the repatriation of foreigners and Afghan refugees, ongoing operations, and progress achieved so far.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Quetta Meharullah Badini, Deputy Commissioner Quetta West Munir Ahmed Durrani, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Quetta Division Syed Kaleemullah, representatives of Special Branch, Police, FIA, NADRA, Home Department, UN agencies dealing with Afghan refugees, and other relevant officials.
Briefings revealed that nearly 800,000 Afghan refugees have been repatriated from across Balochistan, while more than 350,000 refugees from Quetta have returned to Afghanistan either voluntarily or through administrative action. It was further informed that joint operations involving district administration, police, and Frontier Corps are underway to ensure effective repatriation. Currently, around 23,000 Afghan refugees remain in Quetta, and efforts are being made to facilitate their return.
The meeting also discussed administrative and practical challenges faced during the repatriation process. Officials were directed to strengthen coordination among institutions to ensure the process moves forward in accordance with rules and regulations.
It was decided that cases of Afghan refugees who attempt to re-enter Pakistan after repatriation will be dealt with under formal instructions from the Home Department, and future actions will be taken strictly in line with government policy.
Commissioner Zeeshan Lashari instructed all relevant departments to ensure effective coordination and to carry out operations in line with government directives, emphasizing that the repatriation process must be implemented with full compliance to official policy.