By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, adviser on Health Ehtesham Ali visited the Afghan holding camp in Landikotal on Sunday.
During his visit, the adviser reviewed the arrangements being made for the repatriation of Afghan refugees and met with Afghan families residing in the camp. He also inspected the medical camp established inside the transit camp.
Officials from the health department informed him that the camp receives up to 3,000 daily entries. The adviser announced the provision of additional medicines in sufficient quantity for the camp, along with nutrition-rich supplements for children.
“Our Pashtun brothers are going through a tough time and we must stand together,” Ehtesham Ali said, adding that the government would ensure a safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.
He assured that all requirements, whether medical staff, medicines or other necessities would be provided immediately. “I am here to represent Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on his special directives,” he said.
He further added that the return of Afghan refugees would be carried out in a lawful and respectful manner. “Our honour and traditions are shared; we will not allow Pashtun values to be compromised,” the KP Govt advisor remarked.
Whtisham Ali also conveyed a message from the PTI founder, who sent it from jail, urging that the dignity of Afghan brothers must not be violated. MPA Adnan Qadri’s focal person, Shoaib Qadri, was also present on the occasion.
Pakistan has set August 31, 2025, as the final deadline for all undocumented Afghan nationals to leave the country. Authorities have already intensified repatriation measures, with thousands crossing daily through the Torkham and Chaman border points. Interim holding camps, including the one in Landikotal, have been established to facilitate registration, health screening and provision of basic services before Afghans are repatriated.
