The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department has confirmed that the repatriation of Afghan nationals from the province remains in steady progress, with official figures showing that more than 700,000 individuals have been returned to Afghanistan since September 2023 under the government’s phased strategy.
According to the latest data, 605,246 undocumented Afghan nationals have been sent back across the border. This large-scale movement marks one of the most significant returns in recent decades and reflects Islamabad’s determination to address the long-standing challenge of undocumented migration.
The repatriation process has been expanded to include registered groups as well. Since April 1, 2025, a total of 47,953 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders have been repatriated, while under the third phase of the programme, an additional 86,979 Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders have also been sent back.
Officials noted that a majority of these returns were carried out voluntarily. Figures show that 578,174 undocumented Afghans, along with 38,125 ACC holders and 86,657 PoR card holders, opted to return to Afghanistan of their own accord. Authorities have described this voluntary participation as evidence of cooperation between the government and Afghan communities during the ongoing process.
The Home Department said the return operations are being facilitated primarily through the Torkham and Angoor Adda border crossings, where dedicated staff are deployed to ensure smooth coordination. Transportation, documentation, and humanitarian arrangements are being provided to streamline the process and prevent disruption for both departing families and local communities.
Officials stressed that the repatriation effort is being carried out in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and security imperatives while also keeping in view the country’s humanitarian commitments. “The process is phased, transparent and consistent with our national interest,” a senior official remarked, adding that coordination with federal authorities and relevant agencies is ongoing to ensure orderly implementation.
The authorities further underlined that the government’s approach seeks to balance domestic security concerns, international obligations, and humanitarian considerations, ensuring that the return of Afghan nationals remains both systematic and dignified.
