Several Afghan camps de-notified in KP as repatriation drive underway -

BY: Syed Fawad Ali Shah

ISLAMABAD – The Government of Pakistan has formally de-notified several Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking a significant step in the ongoing repatriation and deportation process of Afghan nationals. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States & Frontier Regions (SAFRON), the order follows the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control’s S.R.O (1/2025), dated July 31, 2025. With immediate effect, the following camps in KP stand de-notified:

Haripur District: Panian, Basu Mera, Padhana

Chitral District: Kalkatak/Kessu

Dir (Upper) District: Barawal

The notification directs that all lands within the de-notified areas be handed over to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts. The process will be executed by the respective Provincial Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) with formal written handing-taking over documents. In addition, all non-movable assets located in the de-notified areas are also to be transferred to the KP government. The provincial administration has been instructed to ensure the safety and continued productive use of these assets for the benefit of local communities. A senior official emphasized that this decision is part of the broader national strategy to regulate refugee settlements and restore state control over lands previously designated for temporary refugee use. “The provincial government will supervise the transition to guarantee that resources are put to constructive use for local populations,” the official added. The notification was signed by Zafra Khalid, Deputy Secretary (R/S), Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, GB and SAFRON, and copies have been circulated to relevant federal and provincial stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, provincial chief secretaries, inspectors general of police, and the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees. move underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to completing the repatriation process while reallocating valuable land and assets to serve provincial development and community needs.