KOHAT: Repatriation of Afghan refugees living in Kohat division would start during the current year after expiry of the deadline on June 30, 2016.

Mehboob Khan, district administrator of Afghan refugees for Kohat and Hangu, told Dawn on Monday that though the Kohat division commissioner had ordered the Afghan refugees to leave the region by December 2015, several extensions were given to them to allow them to wind up their businesses and other commercial dealings. He maintained that policy of the federal government and paucity of funds also delayed the repatriation of refugees.

“But, now after the Torkham incident a final decision has been taken that all Afghans have to leave the region after the expiry of the June 30, 2016 deadline, which was agreed upon with the UNHCR.

Mehboob Khan said in the first phase Afghans involved in criminal activities and those having fake cards would expelled under the 14 Foreigners Act, and in the second phase, those having genuine cards issued to them by the UNHCR would be repatriated.

The Afghan administrator said about 45,000 illegal and 110,000 registered Afghans were living in Kohat and Hangu districts.

ARRESTS: Two proclaimed offenders and an extortionist were among 30 suspects arrested during an operation in Narri Kak and Guddi Banda areas here on Monday, police said.

One of the POs identified as Faizullah Khan was arrested in a secret raid in Bilitang Bazaar. The PO wanted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in murder and kidnapping cases also carried head money for his arrest.

The other PO named Safdar was rounded up from Shakardarra region. An extortionist namely Riffat Mehmood was arrested along with other suspects during a search and strike operation. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them.

The Bilitang police also arrested two persons named Saadullah Khan and Faizullah Khan for forcibly receiving exorbitant interest on the money they lent to people.

All the accused except those who were found not guilty during the preliminary interrogation, were sent to prison on judicial remand.

Meanwhile, the cantonment police arrested 20 gamblers during a raid in Anar Banda area on Monday, and seized Rs51,000 stake money.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2016