Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday chaired a meeting at the Governor House to review the current situation of Afghan refugees in the province and directed authorities to improve biometric registration and data management in refugee camps.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Afghan Refugees Shakeel Safi, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Merged Districts Imran Wazir, and officials of NADRA.
During the briefing, the Governor was informed that 43 refugee camps had been established in various districts including Peshawar, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Buner, Mardan, Swabi, Malakand, Dir, Mansehra, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Haripur and Chitral. With the ongoing repatriation process, 10 camps have been vacated so far.
It was further shared that nearly two million undocumented Afghan refugees had returned to Afghanistan in phases from 2023 to 2025. NADRA is providing biometric verification facilities at transit points in Landi Kotal and Torkham border to facilitate smooth repatriation.
Officials said that after biometric verification and data registration of refugee families, necessary documentation is issued, making cross-border movement easier. Currently, around 3,000 refugees are returning daily through Torkham border.
The meeting was also informed that temporary closure of the border due to security concerns has created difficulties in the repatriation process. Moreover, bank accounts and mobile SIMs of illegally residing refugees have already been blocked.
The Governor was briefed that Pakistan Red Crescent Merged Districts is providing essential services to Afghan refugees at Torkham border, including clean drinking water, primary healthcare, first aid and ambulance services. So far, around 13,000 refugees have benefited from these facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor directed NADRA officials to ensure biometric registration and data compilation of Afghan refugees in camps located in Kohat, Peshawar and other districts to minimize difficulties in the repatriation process.
He also emphasized provision of maximum facilities to refugees at Landi Kotal transit point to ensure a dignified and smooth return.
The Governor appreciated the performance of the Afghan Commissionerate for effectively managing the care and repatriation of Afghan refugees.