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Pakistan Begins Second Phase of Afghan Refugee Repatriation via Chaman Border
Holding camps have been set up along the Pak-Afghan border as authorities begin sending back Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders after the March 31 deadline. Biometric verification is in place, and over 3,500 families are registered for repatriation.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-03
Pakistan Begins Second Phase of Afghan Refugee Repatriation via Chaman Border

Pakistan has resumed the repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders through the Pak-Afghan border in Balochistan’s Chaman district, according to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Habib Ahmad Bangulzai.

The second phase of repatriation was set to begin on April 4 (Thursday), following the March 31 deadline for Afghan refugees to leave voluntarily. However, an official from the Afghan Commissionerate stated that the process faced a temporary delay due to Eidul Fitr, based on instructions from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

Holding Camps and Verification Measures

DC Bangulzai confirmed that holding camps have been established near the Bab Dosti border crossing, including one at the Jamal Nasir football stadium. The Chaman district administration completed arrangements before Eid, ensuring a database camp at the LPG terminal for tracking and processing Afghan refugees.

“Through NADRA, the biometric verification of Afghan citizens will be conducted at the Bab Dosti camp,” said Bangulzai. “Afghan families left behind during processing will be provided with accommodation and food.”

Currently, over 3,500 families are registered for repatriation in Chaman district. While two families have voluntarily returned, authorities have moved eight families to holding camps for processing before their departure.

Chaman as the ‘Pak-Afghan Gateway’

DC Bangulzai revealed that district commissioners from other areas of Balochistan have contacted him regarding repatriation efforts. Afghan families arriving from other parts of Pakistan will have their data re-entered in Chaman before crossing into Afghanistan.

The Pakistani government has been gradually repatriating Afghan refugees, citing security concerns and expired legal documentation. The repatriation efforts are part of a broader national policy affecting thousands of Afghan families residing in Pakistan.

With the Eid delay now over, authorities are expected to accelerate the repatriation process in the coming days.
Tagged:

Pakistan

afghanrefugees

Repatriation

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