Peshawar – Serious questions have emerged regarding the ongoing process of Afghan refugees’ repatriation, after startling revelations suggested that many refugees officially shown as having returned to Afghanistan have, in fact, relocated to urban and suburban areas of Peshawar.
According to reliable sources, a significant number of Afghan refugees evacuated from refugee camps did not cross into Afghanistan as claimed.Instead, they quietly vacated the camps and shifted to various localities in and around Peshawar, raising doubts about the credibility and transparency of the repatriation drive.
Sources disclosed that after leaving the camps, these refugees rented houses across different neighborhoods of Peshawar.This sudden influx has triggered a severe housing rental crisis in the city.In several areas, reports indicate that three to four Afghan families are living together in a single rented house, putting additional pressure on local resources and adversely affecting residents.
The situation has further highlighted administrative shortcomings, as the movement of refugees appears to have taken place without effective monitoring.Observers say that the refugees who were officially declared as returning home, merely dispersed and resettled in Peshawar’s outskirts and nearby localities, casting serious doubt on the entire repatriation mechanism.
Attempts were made to seek clarification and an official stance from the district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner.However, despite repeated efforts, no response was received from any administrative authority.So far, there has been neither an official confirmation nor a denial of these claims.
Citizens and concerned circles have strongly urged senior government officials and relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the matter.They have demanded a thorough inquiry to ensure transparency in the refugee evacuation process and to uphold the rule of law, warning that failure to act could further erode public trust and exacerbate administrative challenges in the provincial capital.