ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has facilitated the return of more than two million Afghan nationals to their home country over the past two and a half years, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to Qaiser Khan Afridi, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan, more than two million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan during this period under both voluntary and government-managed arrangements.
Authorities said the phased repatriation process remains ongoing, combining voluntary return programs with enforcement measures targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
The provincial Home Department reported that the Landi Kotal Transit Camp remains a key processing point for returning families. Recent figures show that 130 individuals from 29 families holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) were sent back to Afghanistan.
In addition, 784 individuals from 174 families possessing Proof of Registration (PoR) cards have crossed back into Afghanistan in recent days. Officials also confirmed that 108 undocumented individuals from 21 families were deported after legal action.
Since September 2023, a total of 2.075 million Afghan nationals have returned through various border crossings, including Torkham, Afridi said. The figure includes both voluntary returnees and individuals deported following legal proceedings.
He further noted that approximately 204,000 Afghans were forcibly deported during the same timeframe.
Government sources stated that operations against illegally residing foreign nationals will continue in accordance with the law, while support and facilitation are being provided to registered Afghan citizens opting for voluntary return.
Officials added that arrangements at major border crossings have been further strengthened to ensure the repatriation process remains orderly, secure, and efficient in the coming weeks.
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