SWABI: Thirteen undocumented Afghan families on Saturday left the two refugees camps here for their country, and more are expected to move out fearing a crackdown by the government after the Oct 31 deadline.

Afghan refugees and officials of the district administration said over 23,000 Afghans had been living in Gandaf and about 30,000 in Gohati camp since 1980.

They said the undocumented Afghans had realised that this time Pakistan’s government was serious and in case of failure they would be evicted by force, so the best option was to leave peacefully for their country.

The Afghans living in Gandaf camp said 10 families had left and the remaining illegal immigrants were expected to move in the next few days.

More refugees likely to follow suit fearing crackdown

“Many undocumented Afghans are expected to leave soon,” said an Afghan refugee, Khunjarab Khan.

Similarly, three families left from Gohati camp and the remaining undocumented Afghans would leave soon through Torkham border.

However, a number of Afghans complained those who moved back to their motherland would have trouble finding jobs in their war-torn country.

Meanwhile, Afghans think if one person in a family lacks documents, he/she can present the proof of legal documents of his family, and on that basis, they might be allowed to stay in Pakistan beyond the deadline.

POLL CAMPAIGN: In an electrifying political rally, Sitara Ayaz, the former senator and provincial minister hailing from Jhanda village, on Saturday launched her election campaign from Pabini village.

Thousands of enthusiastic supporters from across the district thronged the venue.

What was truly remarkable about this event was the surprising and overwhelming support that Ms Ayaz garnered in a conservative culture. In a society where traditional gender roles often prevail, the fact that so many people turned up in the rally was nothing short of astonishing.

Ms Ayaz’s independent stance, free from any political party affiliation, is resonating with the masses, who are clearly fed up with the conventional political parties and their age-old tactics. “The people are looking for a fresh, independent voice to represent them, and today, they’ve made their voices heard in a resounding manner,” she said.

INJURED: A man was injured by auto thieves when he resisted their attempt to snatch his motorcycle at gunpoint in Yar Hussain area on Saturday, the police said.

Yar Hussain police station officials told Dawn that three unidentified motorcyclists snatched a bike from a citizen at gunpoint and injured him by firing on resistance.

Hamad Khan, a resident of Sano Banda village, told the police in injured condition that he was riding his motorcycle when three unknown persons stopped him and asked to hand over the bike, but he refused.

“Soon they fired gunshots at me, leaving me seriously injured,” he said, adding he was taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital by locals.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2023