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KOHAT, Oct 20 (APP):As Pakistan intensifies efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghan nationals, the district witnessed the return of 770 Afghan refugees to their homeland, the official sources said on Monday.
The repatriation came ahead of the third and final deadline set by he federal government for voluntary return, expiring on August 31, they added.
District Administrator for Afghan Refugees, Amanullah Wazir, confirmed the figure, noting that the returnees included seven families.
He emphasized that the process remains voluntary and dignified, in line with national directives.
The Afghan community leaders expressed concern over the challenges facing returnees, citing lack of housing, employment, and access to healthcare in Afghanistan.
Malik Awal Khan, a community elder, stated, “Many of our people are sick and under treatment. We cannot be forced to leave for a country where basic facilities are scarce.”
Deputy Commissioner Kohat, Rahimullah Mehsood, recently chaired a coordination meeting to ensure the repatriation process respected the dignity and rights of all individuals involved. The meeting included district officials, refugee representatives, and humanitarian stakeholders.