Notices served to Afghans living illegally in Khyber

LANDIKOTAL: The authorities here on Wednesday served notices to Afghan citizens residing illegally in Khyber tribal district to leave the country.

The authorities warned the Afghans to leave before the launch of crackdown in Landikotal, Jamrud and Bara subdivisions against those lacking legal documents.

The notices were served by police officials thorough 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 neighbourhoods and identify individuals lacking proper documentation.

According to data, around 5500 Afghan citizens possessing the Afghan Citizen Cards (ACCs) are residing in Khyber.

To a question, an official said they did not receive any orders against those who had acquired Pakistani identify cards and passports. However, he indicated that in coming days they could also work against those with fraudulent Pakistani documents.

According to police sources, Afghan nationals found living illegally in the district had been ordered to leave.

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 maintain 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 of Kabul 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 say Afghan nationals are engaged in various occupations, including transport, small-scale trade and manual labour. 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 had 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 said that those who failed to comply with the eviction notices would 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 and the children who were 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 would be carried out in accordance with the law and due process.

Meanwhile, around 30,000 persons including women, children and men have returned to Afghanistan via Torkham border.

All facilities including foods, internet and drinking water have been provided to Afghan citizens being brought to transit camp in Landikotal before they leave for Afghanistan.