Balochistan CM Vows Dignified and Transparent Repatriation of Afghan Refugees
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has assured that the repatriation of Afghan refugees from the province will be carried out in a transparent, organized, and dignified manner, ensuring that no individual’s self-respect is compromised.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Thursday, the chief minister emphasized that the provincial government is implementing the federal policy on refugee repatriation in close coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The meeting reviewed the ongoing repatriation process and the law-and-order situation in Qila Abdullah district. It was attended by Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary for Home Hamza Shafqat, Principal Secretary Babar Khan, Inspector General of Police Muhammad Tahir, DG Levies Abdul Ghaffar Magsi, Commissioner Quetta Division Shah Zeb Kakar, Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Balochistan Arbab Talib Mola, and other senior officials. DIG Zhob, Deputy Commissioner, and DPOs of Qila Abdullah and Chaman also participated via video link.
The chief minister directed that special care must be taken for women, children, and the elderly during the process, warning that any complaints of humiliation would result in immediate action against responsible officials. He also instructed the temporary recruitment of female security personnel to facilitate women during repatriation.
Bugti stressed that the government’s top priority is to complete the process while upholding human dignity and providing maximum support and assistance.
On the security front, the chief minister ordered the elimination of all criminal elements in Qila Abdullah without discrimination between the police and Levies’ jurisdictions. He assured that the provincial government would provide all necessary resources to restore peace and directed divisional and district officers to take immediate and effective measures, with daily progress reports to be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
