PESHAWAR, Aug 24: Afghan refugee camps in Bajaur and Kurram will be closed by August 31 and no further extension will be granted. The Commissionerate Afghan Refugees and UNHCR will, however, continue to extend all kinds of assistance to facilitate the refugees’ repatriation to Afghanistan.

This was stated by Sahibzada Muhammad Anis, Commissioner Afghan Refugees, NWFP during his visit to Bajaur refugee camp the on Wednesday.

He informed Afghan Refugees of the area that it was a most appropriate time for them to go back and take part in reconstruction and rehabilitation of their country.

He also met with elders of Afghan Refugees in Bajaur and briefed them on legal aspects and other procedures involving their repatriation of Afghanistan.

He also held a meeting which was attended by political agent Bajaur Faheem Wazir, the representative of UNHCR, the additional commissioner Afghan Refugees and assistant political agents Bajaur.

Mr Anis visited IRIS Validation Centre and witnessed the process adopted for repatriation of the Afghan refugees. He directed the Afghan commissionerate staff to provide maximum facilities to those returning to their country.

Mr Anis said that the camp at Bajaur would be closed by 31st August, therefore, the Afghan refugees of the area should focus on their repatriation. He informed them that under the UNHCR policy all repatriating Afghan refugees were being paid and given food assistance inside Afghanistan.

He said once repatriation process was over, the entire health and other facilities set up for them would be wound up.