CM’s aide visits Afghan holding camp

LANDIKOTAL: Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Ihtesham Ali visited the Afghan holding camp here on Monday and reviewed the arrangements being made for the repatriation of refugees.

He met Afghan families residing in the camp and inspected the medical camp established inside the transit camp.Officials from the Health Department informed him that the camp received up to 3,000 patients daily.

The adviser announced the provision of additional medicines for the camp along with nutrition-rich supplements for children.“Our Pakhtuns brothers are going through a tough time and we must stand together,” Ihtesham Ali said, adding 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. “I am here to represent Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur,” he said.He added that the return of Afghan refugees would be carried out lawfully and respectfully. “Our honour and traditions are shared, we will not allow Pakhtun values to be compromised,” he remarked. Ihtisham Ali conveyed a message from PTI founder, urging that the dignity of Afghan brothers must not be violated. Pakistan had set August 31 as the deadline for all Afghan nationals to leave the country.

Authorities have 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 repatriation.