Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Marks Epoch with Closure of Afghan Refugee Camps

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan has shut down 42 camps that housed Afghan refugees for over 40 years. This action aims to streamline refugee registration and eliminate illegal residents, with the ultimate goal of encouraging Afghan repatriation. The closure occurred in two phases, significantly advancing refugee management strategies.

The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan has officially closed 42 camps that have provided shelter to Afghan refugees for more than four decades, according to authorities on Wednesday.

This significant move, part of a targeted effort to enhance the refugee residence system, will also help regulate illegal camp residents and ensure proper registration processes are enforced.

Conducted in two phases, the closures exemplify a major policy shift aimed at wrapping up the longstanding refugee situation, with police support to ensure compliance and an escalation in the voluntary return process for Afghan nationals.

(With inputs from agencies.)