Balochistan Considers Ban on Property and Vehicle Transactions by Afghan Refugees

Quetta: Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has reportedly sent an official communication to the Government of Balochistan and the provincial Home Department proposing stricter measures on property and vehicle transactions involving Afghan refugees living in the province.

According to official sources, the proposed measures are intended to support the government’s ongoing repatriation campaign for Afghan refugees and to curb unauthorized residence and commercial activities.

Under the proposed policy, the first phase would prohibit unregistered Afghan refugees in Balochistan from buying or selling houses, shops, plots, agricultural land, vehicles, and other movable and immovable assets. The proposal is expected to take effect after receiving formal approval from the federal government.

Sources further stated that, in the second phase, the government is considering similar restrictions for registered Afghan refugees, which could include legal limitations on property transactions, vehicle ownership transfers, and certain business dealings.

Officials associated with the Home Department said records of properties, commercial premises, plots, houses, and vehicles reportedly owned by Afghan refugees in Quetta and other districts of Balochistan have already been compiled. The data is expected to be reviewed and shared with relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), for action in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the repatriation of Afghan refugees through the Chaman border crossing continues. Authorities said that since the border was opened during designated hours to facilitate voluntary returns, more than 7,000 Afghan nationals have crossed into Afghanistan.

Officials added that the Chaman border is currently operating primarily to facilitate the return of Afghan refugees, while bilateral trade and regular pedestrian movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain suspended.