PESHAWAR: Dozens of Afghan migrants residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reportedly closed their bank accounts and withdrawn their funds amid the ongoing repatriation of undocumented migrants, while the provincial government has sought federal approval regarding the possible seizure of assets belonging to undocumented Afghans living in Peshawar.
According to sources, data on the assets and businesses owned by Afghan traders and other migrants in Peshawar has been collected as authorities assess their financial holdings.
Banking sector sources said dozens of Afghan migrants had previously opened accounts at various banks across the city. Some of these accounts reportedly recorded transactions worth tens of millions of rupees through legal banking channels.
However, as the repatriation process has accelerated, more than 400 Afghan migrants across the province have reportedly withdrawn their funds and closed their bank accounts.
Sources said many migrants withdrew amounts running into hundreds of thousands of rupees before terminating their accounts.
Despite the closures, bank accounts belonging to Afghan migrants reportedly remain active at several banks in Peshawar and other parts of the province. These include accounts held by Afghans who are legally residing in Pakistan.
The provincial government has reportedly approached the federal authorities seeking permission to take action concerning the assets of undocumented Afghans residing in Peshawar.
Authorities are also examining information related to businesses and assets owned by Afghan traders as part of the broader process linked to the repatriation of undocumented migrants.
The development comes amid increased government efforts to regulate the status of undocumented foreign nationals and facilitate their return to their countries of origin.
Peshawar Schools Stop New Admissions for Afghan Students
Meanwhile, a new policy has been introduced in Peshawar’s government schools, restricting the admission of new Afghan children to public-sector educational institutions, according to sources.
According to a Daily Mashriq report, under the policy, implementation has begun to prevent new admissions of Afghan students in government schools across the provincial capital.
Meanwhile, details of Afghan students currently enrolled in private schools, as well as those who have been expelled or removed from private educational institutions, have also been sought from schools, sources said.
The Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA), which oversees private educational institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has directed schools in Peshawar to provide the required information regarding Afghan students.
According to sources, private schools have been asked to submit separate records of Afghan students currently enrolled and those who have been expelled or removed from their institutions.
Authorities have also warned of possible action against private schools that fail to provide the requested information.
Sources said non-compliance with the directives could potentially lead to the cancellation of a school’s registration.
The latest policy comes as authorities begin enforcing restrictions on new admissions of Afghan children in government educational institutions in Peshawar. The directive is expected to affect the admission process for Afghan students seeking places in public-sector schools across the city.
