In a significant escalation of Pakistan’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the District Administration in Haripur has initiated operations aimed at forcing the evacuation of Afghan refugees, primarily by targeting essential services.
The most critical action taken is the directive to discontinue the electricity supply to approximately 20 Afghan refugee camps located within the district. Officials confirmed that Hazara Electric Supply (HESCO) has already begun the process of physically dismantling infrastructure, including the removal of transformers and electricity meters from the camps.
This move to cut off a basic necessity is seen as a deliberate tactic to exert maximum pressure on the vulnerable population to repatriate ahead of winter. The administration has stated clearly that all undocumented Afghans must leave the country. Furthermore, the authorities have widened the scope of the operation by issuing a warning: any local residents found to be providing shelter or accommodation to illegal Afghan nationals will face strict punitive action, underscoring the seriousness of the enforcement drive.
