Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Authorities in Khyber have served notices to Afghan citizens residing in various areas of the district Khyber to leave the country before they launch a major crackdown on Afghan nationals residing without legal documents in the Landikotal, Jamrud and Bara subdivisions, official sources said on Wednesday.
The notices were served by police officials through the survey to collect data on documented and undocumented Afghan traders, shopkeepers and residents in all three tehsils in Khyber district.
Police teams have been deployed to monitor neighborhoods and identify individuals lacking proper documentation. According to data shared, around 5,500 Afghan citizens with ACC cards reside in Khyber.
An official said they had not yet received any orders against those who have acquired Pakistan Computerised National Identity Cards(CNIC) and passports. However, he indicated that in the coming days, they could also work against those with fraudulent Pakistani documents.
According to police sources, Afghan nationals found living illegally in the area have been ordered to leave immediately. Law enforcement officials have warned that failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including detention and deportation.
“This action is part of ongoing efforts to implement immigration laws and preserve law and order,” a senior police officer said, adding that the crackdown would intensify from Thursday with door-to-door inspections and ID verifications.
The move is part of a broader nationwide policy introduced by the Pakistani government in 2023 to identify and repatriate foreign nationals residing in the country without valid papers. Afghan citizens make up a substantial portion of the undocumented population, especially in border regions like Khyber.
Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, thousands of Afghans have entered Pakistan seeking refuge. While some entered through legal crossings and registered with authorities, many crossed informally and have remained undocumented.
Local officials in Khyber District say Afghan nationals are engaged in various occupations, including transport, small-scale trade and manual labor. However, the increasing number of undocumented migrants has raised security and economic concerns in the area.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said authorities had also directed Afghan residents whose Proof of Registration (POR) and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) documents have expired to leave the country.
“We gave them enough time to return voluntarily. Now that Afghanistan is peaceful, they can safely return,” he said.
The official further revealed that those who fail to comply with the eviction notices risk losing their properties. “We have issued final warnings. If they do not leave their houses, hotels and shops will either be taken over or auctioned,” he warned.
In response, several Afghan nationals have appealed to the Pakistani government for a grace period, citing the need to settle their affairs and sell off businesses and property before departure. They urged authorities to show compassion, especially towards families who have lived in Pakistan for decades.
Human rights organizations have also called on the government to respect the rights of all migrants during the repatriation process. They stressed the importance of ensuring humane treatment, particularly for women, children and individuals born and raised in Pakistan.
The operation is expected to continue in phases, with authorities monitoring compliance and updating records regularly. Police have assured that all actions will be carried out by the law and due process.
Meanwhile, around 30,000 persons, including women, children and men, have returned to Afghanistan via the Torkham border. All facilities, including food, Internet and drinking water, have been provided to Afghan citizens being brought to the transit camp in Landikotal before they leave for Afghanistan.
