The federal government has formally ordered the closure of long-standing Afghan refugee camps across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and directed the immediate repatriation of Afghan nationals residing without legal documentation. The move marks one of Islamabad’s most decisive steps yet to regulate its borders, reclaim occupied land, and safeguard national security.
According to the official notification, refugee camps located in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Mansehra, Charsadda, and Malakand districts have been ordered shut. The provincial administration has been instructed to ensure swift evacuation and to clear all camp areas of encroachments, with administrative action to begin immediately.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the Afghan authorities themselves have acknowledged the presence of terrorist elements in certain regions of Afghanistan and links between banned militant outfits and Afghan soil. “Anyone attacking Pakistan will not be ignored. A fitting response will be given under the principle of tit for tat,” he declared.
The minister warned that those assuming they can operate from hiding are gravely mistaken. “This is the age of modern intelligence and technology—no one can remain undetected. Any act of aggression will be met with a coordinated and effective response,” he asserted. He added that the government is adopting a more robust and strategic approach to border security than in the past.
Officials said the decision to close the refugee camps is aimed at strengthening border stability, ending illegal land occupations, and neutralising potential security risks. They maintained that Pakistan’s policy seeks to balance national security imperatives with humanitarian considerations, ensuring that the repatriation process respects the dignity and basic needs of returning individuals.
The federal government reiterated that Pakistan has shown unmatched generosity for over four decades by hosting millions of Afghan refugees despite economic and security challenges. However, officials said that the current circumstances demand a clear and firm policy to ensure Pakistan’s sovereignty and law are upheld.
Further details regarding the repatriation plan and coordination with provincial authorities will be announced as the process advances.
