BBC NEWS | South Asia | Pakistan begins census of Afghans

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Pakistan begins census of Afghans: "For the first time Pakistan's government is beginning a campaign to register all Afghans currently living in the country.

There are some 2.5 million including thousands who fled the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.

The drive is seen as a way to monitor a large and fluid community but also as another step towards repatriation.

Since the fall of the Taleban in 2001, Pakistani authorities have encouraged them to return to Afghanistan.

Afghans in Pakistan form a very mobile community.

Tens of thousands cross the border daily drawn by ethnic, family and business ties.

The government admits that some are probably Taleban militants but it says it is difficult to crack down on them because they blend in with the community." Read complete post here.