85,000 Afghan Refugees Repatriated from Balochistan as 10 Camps Shut Down

QUETTA: The process of **repatriating Afghan refugees from Balochistan** under the **federal government’s policy** continued on **October 22, 2025**, with official data confirming the **closure of 10 refugee camps** across the province.

According to authorities, these closed camps had collectively housed **approximately 85,000 Afghan refugees**, all of whom have now been **sent back to Afghanistan**. The camps were located in the districts of **Quetta, Pishin, Loralai, Chagai, and Killa Abdullah**.

Just two days earlier, on **October 20**, around **3,400 individuals belonging to 550 families** returned to Afghanistan via the **Chaman border**. In **September**, during the third phase of the repatriation drive, another **30,000 refugees** had departed from Balochistan.

While the **voluntary repatriation** of registered refugees continues, authorities have also intensified their **crackdown on undocumented Afghan nationals**. A few days ago, **3,888 illegal Afghan residents** were arrested from **Quetta city**.

**Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti** has directed officials to ensure that **no disrespectful behavior** occurs during the repatriation process, emphasizing **dignified treatment of all refugees**, particularly **women, the elderly, and children**.

Officials and analysts report that the **mass exodus of Afghan refugees has had a notable impact on Balochistan’s economy**, especially in the **real estate sector**, where **property prices have dropped by 70 to 80 percent** in recent months.