The Government of Pakistan has issued formal notices for the closure of 35 Afghan refugee camps across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as part of an ongoing province-wide phase-out of long-established settlements. Officials said the decision aligns with the federal directive to wind up all remaining refugee camps and accelerate the screening and relocation of undocumented individuals residing within them.
According to authorities, seven camps had already been closed earlier this year, while the latest notifications cover the remaining clusters identified for shutdown. District administrations have been instructed to oversee the process, ensure orderly vacation of sites, and update records related to land and assets that will be handed over once the camps are cleared.
The government said the step is part of strengthened border and security measures, including repatriation of undocumented Afghans. Refugee families and camp managers have been briefed on compliance requirements and advised to follow official guidelines regarding relocation and documentation.
Officials added that the closures are being executed in phases to minimise disruption and that further actions will be completed in the coming weeks as part of the nationwide policy on undocumented migration.
