'Deadline for Afghan refugees repatriation from Pakistan not to be extended'
Pakistan Times National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao Monday said the deadline for repatriation of Afghan Refugees from the federal capital and Bajour and Karak refugee camps will not be extended.

He was addressing a meeting held here to discuss arrangements for repatriation of Afghan refugees in I-11 camp and in Karak and Bajour to their motherland or to other camps.

The Minister was briefed on preparations made by the authorities for voluntary repatriation of Afghan refuges from Katchi Abadis of twin cities and other camps.

He was apprised that 6000 to 7000 refugees had shown willingness to go back to Afghanistan under the facilitated Group Return programme launched under the assistance of UNHCR.

Sherpao directed the authorities to facilitate Afghan refugees who want to go back voluntarily in a best possible manner and the rest should be relocated as soon as possible.

He asserted; "the deadline of September 15, 2005" will not be extended at any cost and the process must be completed before time.

He also asked the authorities to close the camps of Bajour and Korak by August 31.

Secretary Interior Syed Kamal Shah, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector General Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Chief Commissioner Afghan Refugees and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.●