Deportations begin today amid ‘deadline extension’ confusion

• Official says Afghan repatriation process delayed due to Eid holidays
• UNHCR spokesperson says some ACC holders may require ‘protection’, urges Islamabad to view their cases sympathetically
PESHAWAR: The second phase of sending back Afghan refugees is set to begin in earnest from today (Thursday) following the expiration of a government deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country voluntarily. The government had set March 31 as the last date for ACC holders to return to their country and refused to budge despite calls from the international community to extend the deadline.
“Although the deadline was March 31, the provincial government exte­nded it till April 2 keeping in view Eidul Fitr. Now, phase 2 will begin from [Thursday] and we have established camps, one each at Landi Kotal and Nasir Bagh Road,” a senior official from Afghan Commi­ssionerate in Peshawar told Dawn.
Source: dawn.com/