Pakistan Orders Immediate Closure of Afghan Refugee Camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR, Oct 14, 2025: Pakistan’s federal authorities have ordered the immediate shutdown of all Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to official sources on Tuesday.
The camps, which had existed for decades across the province, are now being vacated as part of a nationwide repatriation effort. Afghan nationals living in KP have been directed to return to their homeland, marking another phase in Pakistan’s ongoing effort to regulate undocumented residents.
Refugee Camps Closed Across Several Districts
Authorities confirmed the closure of camps in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Mansehra. Additionally, camps located in Charsadda and Malakand have also been dismantled.
Federal officials have instructed the provincial administration to take control of the land that previously housed these refugee settlements. This step, they said, would help restore public land for local development and future projects.
Coordination Between Federal and Provincial Governments
The decision comes as part of Pakistan’s Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan (IFRP), which aims to identify and deport foreign nationals living without valid documents. Under this plan, both federal and provincial governments are coordinating to ensure a lawful and organized repatriation process.
The Punjab government has also launched the third phase of deportations targeting Afghan residents who lack legal status or have overstayed their visas by more than a year. Officials have emphasized that the process will be conducted in a systematic and transparent manner.
Background of the Repatriation Drive
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, many of whom fled during conflicts in Afghanistan. However, authorities now argue that many individuals remain without documentation, creating administrative and socio-economic challenges for host regions.
The government maintains that the current policy is not against Afghan nationals but is focused on enforcing immigration laws and ensuring national order.
Looking Ahead
Officials have reiterated that Pakistan continues to support voluntary repatriation under international frameworks. Meanwhile, the government is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure humanitarian care during the transition.
The closure of refugee camps in KP marks a significant policy shift, signaling Pakistan’s intent to regain control over its migration management system while maintaining regional stability.
