ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed all federal and provincial authorities to expedite the repatriation of Afghans illegally residing in Pakistan, citing security concerns and recent cross-border attacks from Afghan soil.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif chaired a high-level meeting attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, and provincial representatives to review the situation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border and ongoing repatriation efforts.
“Pakistan has helped Afghanistan in every difficult time,” the prime minister said. “But recent terrorist attacks from Afghan soil and the involvement of Afghans in these attacks are deeply worrying.”
Sharif noted that Pakistan had “suffered thousands of precious lives and billions of dollars in the war on terror,” stressing that the country “can no longer bear the burden of Afghan refugees.”
Border clashes and security concerns
Hostilities erupted on the night of October 11–12, when Taliban fighters, reportedly supported by an India-backed group, launched an unprovoked assault on Pakistani forces along the border.
The clashes intensified late Saturday, resulting in 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred, while around 200 Taliban and allied militants were killed in retaliatory action, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Sharif commended the Pakistan Armed Forces for “responding in a befitting manner” under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Repatriation efforts intensified
Officials briefed the meeting that 1,477,592 Afghans had already been repatriated as part of the ongoing phased process. Only Afghans holding valid Pakistani visas will be permitted to remain in the country.
Authorities said additional exit points are being opened on the Afghan border to speed up departures and ensure a smoother process. Shelter providers assisting illegal residents are being identified and prosecuted, officials added.
The prime minister instructed that “the elderly, women, children, and minorities should be treated with respect and dignity during the repatriation process.”
The forum decided to strictly enforce all recommendations and ensure full coordination among provinces for the early completion of the repatriation campaign.
