By SYED SHAHABUDDIN
SWAT: The repatriation of Afghan refugees from Swat district has continued at a slow pace, with only 37 families returning to Afghanistan over the past two months, according to official figures.
Officials said that 14 families, comprising 107 individuals, were repatriated from Mingora city on Monday. During the process, the district administration provided necessary facilities, including transportation, to ensure a safe and orderly return. Additional Assistant Commissioner Babozai Tariq Khan and Relief Assistant Habibullah were present on site to supervise the arrangements.
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Official data shows that since December, a total of 37 Afghan families, consisting of 403 individuals residing illegally in Swat, have voluntarily returned to their home country. Records further indicate that 2,202 Afghan refugees in the district hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, while 876 possess Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC).
Despite the ongoing repatriation, a large number of Afghan refugees remain in Swat, with many reportedly involved in business activities across the district.
The district administration said the repatriation process is being carried out in line with government policy, with an emphasis on security, human dignity and the provision of basic facilities. Officials reiterated that returns would continue within the legal framework, ensuring a transparent, dignified and fully supervised process while safeguarding the rights and respect of the refugees.
