The process of repatriation for irregular Afghans residing in Pakistan is ongoing, with another 1,586 individuals returning to their home country on December 18th. This brings the total number of repatriated Afghans to over 438,000 since the initiative began. The breakdown of those who returned on December 18th highlights the family nature of the movement, with 365 men, 298 women, and 923 children crossing the border. This trend reflects broader concerns about irregular migration's impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. It's important to note that even before the official repatriation process commenced, many irregular Afghans were already choosing to return home due to fears of potential arrest. This indicates a complex interplay of factors influencing migration patterns, including economic hardship, security concerns, and family reunification desires. While the repatriation exercise is ongoing across Pakistan, Karachi stands out as a city with a historically large irregular population. The presence of undocumented individuals has been linked to challenges like smuggling and extortion in the city, prompting local authorities to focus on facilitating returns and promoting border security measures.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)