QUETTA: The repatriation of Afghan refugees has begun to significantly impact Quetta’s property market, especially in the city’s suburban areas. For over four decades, a large number of Afghan families had purchased and settled in homes across the Eastern Bypass, Satellite Town, Nawakilli, and Pashtunabad. However, following federal and provincial government decisions, many Afghan residents are now selling their properties and returning to Afghanistan.
80 % Property prices drop in Quetta
Property dealers report that prices in areas heavily populated by Afghan refugees have plummeted by 70 to 80 percent. In certain neighborhoods such as the Eastern Bypass, Sariab Road, Khrotabad, and Pashtunabad, the decline has reached as high as 90 percent.
Real estate professionals say that while property values in Quetta’s central areas have not dropped significantly, buying and selling activities have nearly come to a halt. This stagnation has left many property dealers facing severe financial distress.
Experts warn that if the government does not introduce tax relief and incentive packages for the property sector, Quetta’s real estate market could enter a prolonged period of stagnation, potentially affecting the city’s broader economy.
According to official figures, authorities have completely shut down ten Afghan refugee camps across Balochistan and repatriated around 85,000 Afghans residing there. Meanwhile, the crackdown against undocumented refugees in Quetta continues. Just days ago, law enforcement agencies arrested 3,888 Afghans found living illegally in the city.
Following the federal government to shut down all Afghan refugees camps in Pakistan, the Balochistan government also directed all property owners to evict Afghan refugees from rented houses, shops, and land.
Last week, the district administration of Kalat had issued strict orders directing all property owners to evict Afghan refugees from rented houses, shops, and land within seven days.
