Pakistan to Begin Expulsion of Undocumented Afghan Refugees in Peshawar

Pakistani authorities have announced the launch of operations to expel undocumented Afghan refugees from Peshawar. This initiative will commence on November 1, involving the collaboration of 120 joint operational teams.

Operations to Expel Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Begin

Government officials in Pakistan have recently disclosed their decision to initiate a large-scale operation aimed at expelling undocumented Afghan refugees from Peshawar, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This operation is set to officially begin on November 1 and will be conducted with the assistance of 120 teams, comprising police, security forces, and relevant agencies.

The initiative coincides with changes in local governance, particularly the transfer of executive powers to the new governor of the province, Faisal Karim Kundi. Existing tensions between the central government and provincial authorities have led to changes in the governmental structure and a focus on identifying and deporting undocumented refugees.

Details of the Expulsion Program

According to media reports, five specialized teams will operate in markets and commercial centers, while an additional 70 teams will be deployed in urban areas and along the Ring Road. These teams will be tasked with examining and identifying Afghan individuals lacking legal documentation in residences, shops, and educational institutions.

Wave of Afghan Refugees Returning from Pakistan

This action is part of a broader program to facilitate the return of Afghan refugees. Information released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates that from September 15, 2023, to October 17, 2026, nearly 2.744 million Afghan refugees are expected to be expelled or return voluntarily to their homeland from Pakistan.