PM Shehbaz Sharif chairs key meeting on Afghan repartiation

A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to review progress on the repatriation of Afghan refugees.

The meeting, held to review progress on the repatriation process of Afghan refugees, was attended by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers of AJK, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and senior officials.

Welcoming the participants, the prime minister emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an integral part of the federation, assuring full federal support for the province’s development and public welfare. He also mentioned his recent telephonic conversation with the newly elected KP chief minister, during which he extended congratulations and pledged cooperation.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing support for Afghanistan, stating that despite sacrificing thousands of lives and bearing billions in economic losses during the war on terror, attacks from Afghan soil and the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorism within Pakistan remain concerning.

He noted that the government has repeatedly engaged the Afghan interim administration at diplomatic and political levels to prevent cross-border infiltration, yet public concern is growing over how long Pakistan can continue to shoulder the burden of Afghan refugees.

The prime minister directed all provincial governments and institutions to work in close coordination to ensure the repatriation of illegal Afghan nationals, clarifying that only those with valid visas would be allowed to stay in Pakistan.

According to the briefing, 1,477,592 Afghan citizens had been repatriated as of October 16, 2025, and the process is continuing in phases at an accelerated pace. Additional exit points are being set up along the Afghan border to facilitate smoother returns.

Officials warned that harboring illegal Afghan nationals or allowing them to stay in guesthouses constitutes a punishable offense under Pakistani law. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to discourage violations of the repatriation policy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to ensure dignified treatment of the elderly, women, children, and minorities during the repatriation process.

He expressed concern over recent Afghan militant attacks and infiltration attempts but praised the Pakistan Army, under Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership, for giving a strong and effective response. He added that Pakistan’s armed forces have repeatedly proven their professional capability and readiness to defend the homeland, even during periods of Indian aggression.

The meeting concluded with a firm resolve to strictly implement all recommendations regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees. The prime minister urged complete cooperation from provincial governments, stressing that the swift return of illegal Afghan nationals is essential for Pakistan’s national security and public interest.