By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: Additional Assistant Commissioner Shahabuddin, accompanied by officers from Lundi Kotal police, conducted visits to Gagra and nearby areas to engage with Afghan nationals residing in the tehsil without proper legal status.
During these visits, local jirgas—traditional tribal assemblies—were convened to communicate with the Afghan residents, urging them to return to Afghanistan voluntarily and with dignity. Authorities emphasized that the initiative was intended to facilitate an orderly and respectful repatriation process rather than impose punitive measures.
The district administration reported that a series of jirgas had been initiated across the Lundi Kotal sub-division as part of a broader plan to ensure Afghan nationals left the area in an organized manner. Officials stressed that the approach aimed to maintain community harmony and uphold the principles of respect and dignity for those affected.
Local sources indicated that around 2,800 Afghan refugees currently hold Afghan citizenship cards within Lundi Kotal, although the total number of Afghan nationals residing across the district is estimated to be closer to 1,500, highlighting discrepancies in registration and record-keeping.
Authorities said the process would continue in stages, with careful monitoring to ensure that those leaving did so voluntarily and with adequate support for their return to Afghanistan. The effort also involved consultation with tribal elders and community leaders, who played a crucial role in mediating between officials and the Afghan population.
Officials underlined the importance of combining administrative measures with community engagement to manage migration effectively while avoiding unrest or social tension. The initiative reflects the district’s ongoing efforts to regulate the presence of foreign nationals and address concerns related to security, social stability, and resource management, while ensuring that all measures remain grounded in legality and respect for human rights.
