Pakistan terminates five Afghan refugee camps

The federal government has declared the closure of five Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a decision linked to the overarching repatriation policy for Afghan nationals.

The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) released an official notification on Friday affirming the decision.

Camps mandated to cease operations in KP
The government’s announcement indicates that three of the shutdown camps were situated in Haripur, one in Chitral, and one in Upper Dir. Instructions have been given to convey the land to the provincial administration and the relevant deputy commissioners.

Sources indicated that the Panyan camp in Haripur, one of the largest and longest Afghan settlements in Pakistan, had housed over 100,000 refugees for about 40 years.

UNHCR data identifies KP as a center for refugees.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has regularly indicated that most Afghan refugees in Pakistan are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The dissolution of these camps might profoundly affect thousands of families who have resided in the province for decades.

Political dissent
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has openly criticized the initiative, cautioning against the coerced repatriation of Afghan refugees. He emphasized that any such steps must take into account humanitarian considerations and the historical connections between the people of KP and Afghan citizens.