Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced plans to vacate nine additional Afghan refugee camps in Peshawar, continuing a phased closure program across the province. The move aims to reclaim land, infrastructure, and public utilities previously used for long-standing settlements.
Officials said the closures are part of a coordinated federal and provincial effort to manage the refugee population, facilitate voluntary repatriation, and transfer camp facilities to district authorities for public and developmental use. The program aligns with the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, which seeks to regulate undocumented foreign nationals in Pakistan.
Earlier phases have seen 28 camps across Peshawar, Nowshera, Hangu, Kohat, Mardan, and Swabi districts shut down. Authorities have emphasized that the process is being carried out in an orderly and non-coercive manner, giving residents sufficient time to relocate and move their belongings.
Provincial officials said water, electricity, and other utilities in the camps will be systematically withdrawn once residents have vacated. The reclaimed land is expected to be used for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, supporting regional development. Humanitarian groups, including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), have welcomed the orderly approach but stressed that repatriation must remain voluntary and dignified, in line with international norms.
Officials confirmed that district administrations will coordinate closely with residents to ensure minimal disruption while executing the camp closures. The latest phase marks a significant step in the government’s long-term plan to streamline refugee management while making land available for public and economic purposes.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
A workshop organised by the Ministry of Law and Justice in Peshawar highlighted the growing importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR in addressing property and land related disputes. Participants described ADR as a practical, time saving and cost effective mechanism capable of easing pressure on the formal court system.
Legal experts and officials observed that property disputes including ownership claims, boundary demarcation conflicts, tenancy disagreements, inheritance based land partition, real estate development disputes, and compensation matters in land acquisition cases constitute a substantial portion of pending civil litigation. Prolonged trials, repeated hearings and successive appeals often delay final settlement in such cases.
Participants noted that ADR mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration and conciliation provide structured avenues for resolving private land and property conflicts outside lengthy courtroom proceedings. Under the existing legal framework, courts may refer suitable civil matters, particularly those involving property rights and contractual land transactions, to mediation centres or arbitrators for expedited settlement.
During the workshop, speakers highlighted that ADR is particularly effective in the following areas:
▪️ Disputes between property buyers and developers concerning delayed possession or unmet project obligations
▪️ Landlord and tenant disagreements regarding rent, eviction or lease enforcement
▪️ Boundary and title conflicts between adjoining landowners
▪️ Inheritance related division of agricultural and urban land
▪️ Compensation disputes arising from state led land acquisition
It was noted that mediated settlements may be recorded before courts for enforceability, thereby ensuring legal protection of property rights while avoiding extended litigation. Arbitration clauses are also commonly included in commercial real estate and construction agreements to establish a predefined dispute resolution mechanism.
Officials pointed out that rapid urban expansion and rising land values have contributed to a surge in litigation concerning plot allotments, title transfers, encroachments and housing scheme compliance. The effective use of ADR in such matters can facilitate quicker resolution, safeguard investments and support orderly development.
The workshop emphasised that while ADR does not replace the judiciary, it operates within the legal framework and remains subject to judicial oversight where necessary. Participants called for strengthening institutional mediation centres, enhancing capacity building initiatives and promoting pre litigation mediation in selected categories of land and property disputes to improve efficiency and reduce the burden on civil courts.

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a major step to address organised begging across the province by approving the ‘Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Bill’ for presentation before the provincial cabinet. The initiative, endorsed by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, aims to dismantle syndicates exploiting vulnerable citizens and to regulate public spaces to prevent the spread of forced or organised begging.
Under the proposed legislation, provincial authorities will be empowered to monitor areas known for begging activities, identify and register vulnerable individuals, and coordinate with law enforcement to break up criminal networks profiting from exploitation. Special focus will be placed on minors, women, and differently-abled persons who are often forced into begging by organised groups.
The bill also outlines the creation of rehabilitation programs, including temporary shelters, educational support, and skill development initiatives, designed to help affected individuals reintegrate into society.
Dedicated funds will be allocated to support children targeted by begging networks. These resources will provide access to education, healthcare, vocational training, and safe shelter, ensuring that minors exploited by criminal groups receive protection and opportunities for long-term development.
Officials have emphasized that the bill seeks to balance law enforcement with social protection, aiming to eliminate organised begging while addressing the underlying social vulnerabilities that lead individuals, especially children, to be exploited. This legislative measure reflects the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to social welfare, public order, and community safety, and marks a significant step in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.