Authorities move to expel illegal Afghans from Charsadda

CHARSADDA: The law enforcement agencies on Thursday warned the Afghan citizens residing in the district illegally of a massive crackdown if they failed to ensure their presence at Torkham Border by 8am today (Friday) under a voluntary repatriation process.

Accompanied by the police, the personnel of the security forces made announcements through loudspeakers in the mosques in various areas of the district.The security personnel directed the illegal Afghan nationals residing in various areas of the district including Munda Refugees Camp to ensure their presence at Torkham border early in the morning on Friday.

At least 22,000 Afghan families comprised of over 150,000 individuals use to reside in the district, according to an official estimate, among whom over 84,000 are residing in Munda Refugees Camp while others have rented houses at different areas.

Meanwhile, the short notice for evacuation has stirred panic among the Afghan refugees.District Police Officer Sohail Khalid said, “These are direct orders from the Pakistan Army and its implementation will be ensured in letter and spirit.”