ISLAMABAD: Despite the federal government’s sweeping actions under the Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan (IFRP), the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has shown alarming delays in clearing de-notified Afghan refugee camps, with only two of the province’s 43 camps fully vacated to date.
The continued provision of electricity, water, healthcare, and other services at these sites, despite official de-notification, has raised serious concerns over provincial non-compliance and administrative weakness.
According to official data, the federal government launched the IFRP as a national security-driven framework to ensure the repatriation of all illegally residing Afghan nationals. The plan, designed to safeguard state resources and curb terrorism risks, includes a phased and legally binding schedule for de-notifying Afghan refugee settlements across the country.
Under Phase 3 of the IFRP, a total of 54 Afghan refugee camps nationwide were formally de-notified: 43 in KP, 10 in Balochistan, and one in Punjab. The de-notification process was completed on 25 September, 13 October, and 15 October 2025.
Punjab and Balochistan acted promptly on federal directives. Punjab successfully cleared its only Afghan camp in Mianwali, while Balochistan identified over 88,000 Afghan nationals under IFRP and has already begun repatriation, which is expected to be completed by December.
The KP government’s performance, however, stands in stark contrast. Out of 43 de-notified camps, 41 remain active, with Afghan residents continuing to receive provincial services. Officials say this ongoing facilitation contradicts federal policy and undermines the purpose of de-notification. It also places additional pressure on KP’s limited provincial resources.
Security concerns add another layer of urgency. Federal authorities have documented credible evidence of Afghan involvement in several acts of terrorism in KP, further intensifying calls for the province to strictly enforce the IFRP.
Despite repeated federal instructions, the KP government has yet to implement the plan effectively or within the mandated timelines. Officials warn that continued delays could weaken legal enforcement, disrupt national security objectives, and strain center–province coordination.
The federal government has reiterated that KP must immediately ensure full, transparent, and forceful implementation of the Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan in accordance with national policy and security imperatives.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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