October 04, 2008	Saturday	Shawwal 04, 1429

KHAR, Oct 3: All Afghan nationals have been asked to leave Bajaur Agency within three days and at least 25 militants were killed in clashes with security forces on Thursday and Friday.

A notification issued by the political agent in Khar and announcements made from mosques warned the Afghans that they would face action if they did not leave the area within three days.

Local people were told to end business contracts with the Afghans and those who had rented out houses and shops to them were asked to evict them.

Officials said over 50,000 Afghans were living in Bajaur illegally and many of them had set up businesses. Refugee camps in the area were closed in 2005.

An official said the decision had been taken because of deteriorating law and order and complaints by local people about involvement of Afghans in militancy. “There are reports that Afghans are directly involved in militancy and they have joined militant groups.”

He said the government would take legal action against the Afghans and local people defying the order and the deadline would not be extended.

There have been reports that militants from Afghanistan were infiltrating into Bajaur and taking part in clashes with security forces.

Several Afghan families told this correspondent that they were ready to go to their country if the government or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees arranged transport.

Meanwhile, the authorities have arrested Haji Rahat Yousaf, president of the Bajaur chapter of the Pakistan Muslim League-N, and his brother Haji Sardar Yousaf on suspicion of having links with militants.