Hundreds of Afghans return from Lower South Waziristan
AK Wazir
LOWER SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The repatriation of Afghan refugees through the Angoor Adda border here is continuing smoothly, say the local officials.
They told
Dawn that the exercise was being carried out under the supervision of the district administration with the collaboration of the Frontier Corps KP (South), police and other relevant departments.
The officials said that hundreds of Afghan nationals had so far crossed the border, with the entire repatriation process taking place in a smooth and rapid manner under the government’s monitoring.
They said that the district administration, in coordination with the local security forces, had put in place special arrangements to ensure “phased and transparent” repatriation.
Officials say every effort being made to send refugees off in dignified manner
Deputy commissioner Musarrat Zaman said that vehicles carrying Afghan families were seen lined up at the Angoor Adda gate in an organised manner, with every family being handled respectfully as they crossed into Afghanistan.
The officials said that the process followed legal and border protocols to prevent any “disorder or unrest” among refugees.
They said that for the departing refugees, a dedicated 50-bed shelter had been set up at the Angoor Adda border point where drinking water, electricity and freshly cooked meals were provided to them to ensure that basic needs are met before their departure.
The officials also said that tents had been installed at Agri Park Wana to serve as temporary accommodation where families had access to bedding and other facilities while waiting for their turn to proceed to the border.
They said that heavy police and security deployments had been made both at Angoor Adda and Agri Park Wana to maintain order.
According to FC and police officials, the deployment aims to regulate the flow of people, monitor routes and ensure that the process remains uninterrupted.
They said that no untoward incident had been reported due to strict security measures.
Returning refugees expressed mixed feelings about their departure.
Many families said that they had lived in South Waziristan for around four decades and had always been treated with respect and kindness by the local population.
“We had a very good time here [Pakistan]. After living here for almost forty years, we don’t wish to leave. However, legal compulsions are forcing us to return to Afghanistan,” said an elderly refugee with tears in his eyes.
District officials and security forces pointed out that repatriation was entirely voluntary and that every effort was being made to send the refugees off with dignity.
They said that humanitarian considerations would not be overlooked at any stage.
Deputy commissioner Musarrat Zaman told
Dawn that overall, the repatriation process through the Angoor Adda border was proceeding in a peaceful and organised manner.
He said that the district administration, with the support of security forces, had made sufficient arrangements for shelters, essential facilities and strict security so that the Afghan families could safely return to their country.
Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2025
