By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
TORKHAM: the first convoy of six Afghan families, who had been living illegally in various cities across Punjab, was cleared by customs officials at the Torkham border. This marks a pivotal moment in the enforcement of Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan nationals residing unlawfully within its borders, following the expiration of the government’s deadline for their removal.
The convoy, carrying families who had overstayed their permitted time in Pakistan, was allowed to cross into Afghanistan after a rigorous process at the Torkham border. The families, whose presence had raised both legal and humanitarian concerns, are among the first to be sent back as part of a broader government initiative to address the issue of illegal immigration.
This decision, announced months ago by the Pakistani authorities, has now entered its active phase, drawing attention from both domestic and international communities. While the Pakistani government’s stance on expelling illegal Afghan residents is rooted in national security concerns, it has also raised concerns about the potential humanitarian impact.
Thousands of Afghan nationals, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades, face the daunting challenge of returning to a country that has long been ravaged by conflict and instability. For many, the border crossing marks the end of a long chapter, where they had built lives in Pakistan, often in cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi, only to be displaced once again due to the expiration of their legal status.
