In a concerted effort to address the complex issue of Afghan refugees, Pakistan has been witnessing the gradual return of Afghan citizens to their homeland.

The numbers tell a tale of significant proportions, with a total of 81,974 Afghan refugees having been repatriated so far.

Pakistan has long upheld a role of compassion and responsibility as a neighbor, a stance often lauded as unparalleled on the global stage.

For decades, it has provided shelter to those fleeing the tumultuous circumstances of Afghanistan’s wars.

However, recognizing the need for resolution, the government of Pakistan set a deadline of October 31 for illegal Afghan citizens to leave the country.

This move is motivated by various challenges that have arisen over the years, including issues related to terrorism, drugs, the proliferation of the Kalashnikov culture, and smuggling, which have posed significant problems within Pakistan.

Consequently, the process of Afghan repatriation has gained momentum, with thousands of Afghans returning to their homeland daily, primarily through the Torkham and Chaman borders.

On October 27, a substantial number of 5,046 Afghan citizens embarked on their journey back to Afghanistan.

These returnees included 1,241 men, 1,052 women, and 2,753 children. Notably, the repatriation process often occurs in an organized fashion, with 310 families being repatriated in 153 vehicles on that particular day, signifying the scale of this ongoing effort.

The importance of this repatriation cannot be overstated, as it is deemed indispensable for the sustainable peace of both countries and the broader region.

As Pakistan and Afghanistan jointly address this issue, they strive to ensure the well-being of returning Afghan citizens while contributing to the stability of the region as a whole.