LOWER DIR: The district administration has directed local residents to report the presence of undocumented Afghan nationals living or working on their properties, warning that failure to comply could result in legal action.

Talking to local journalists here on Thursday, district administrator for Afghan Refugees Humayun Khan asked residents accommodating undocumented Afghans in houses, shops, hotels and commercial plazas to inform their respective assistant commissioners within seven days.

He warned that Pakistani citizens who failed to report such individuals could face punitive measures including blocking of their national identity cards and possible inclusion in the Fourth Schedule, a list maintained for monitoring individuals considered security risks.

The official also directed undocumented Afghan nationals residing in Lower Dir to leave Pakistan and return to Afghanistan within three days, stating that legal action would be initiated against those found staying in the district after the deadline.

The warning follows reports received by the administration suggesting that some Afghan nationals re-entered Pakistan through the Chaman border crossing after leaving via the Torkham border and subsequently travelled to various districts including Lower Dir.

Officials said there were also reports that some undocumented Afghan nationals were engaged in business activities in local vegetable markets and other commercial centres.

In light of these reports, the district administration has decided to intensify action against undocumented foreign nationals residing in the district without valid legal documents.

CHILD PROTECTION: District Child Protection Committee reviewed key issues related to child welfare, protection and rehabilitation during a meeting held here on Thursday.

Child Protection Officer Mohammad Tayyub briefed the participants on challenges faced by children in Lower Dir including physical abuse, corporal punishment, exploitation, harmful social practices, runaway and missing children, substance abuse and children deprived of education, healthcare and safe housing.

The meeting also discussed cases involving children from broken families, sexual abuse and exploitation, child labour, juvenile legal issues and children engaged in begging.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2026