Thousands of Afghan Refugees Return from Iran and Pakistan in a Day

Nearly 4,000 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in a single day, as confirmed by a Taliban official. According to the High Commission for Migrants Issues report, 713 families, totaling 3,926 individuals, made the journey back on Sunday. The refugees entered Afghanistan through various border crossings, including Pul-i-Abresham, Bahramcha, Islam Qala, Torkham, and Spin Boldak.
Of the returning families, 1,788 were resettled in their respective areas, while 1,055 families received humanitarian aid. Additionally, telecommunication companies distributed 634 SIM cards to the Afghan returnees. The official also disclosed that 5,412 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran and Pakistan on the same day.
Reports from November revealed that Afghan refugees in Pakistan faced challenges, including police pressure, arrests, and exploitation for financial gain. These refugees live in fear and lack basic human rights, as highlighted by various sources. Human rights and refugee-support organizations have expressed concerns over the treatment of Afghan refugees and the government’s failure to protect their rights.
Tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have led to increased pressure on Afghan refugees in recent months. Pakistani forces have been conducting operations targeting migrants, resulting in harassment and extortion. Afghan refugees have described living in fear and facing inhumane conditions, with their rights being disregarded.
An Afghan national shared their harrowing experience, stating that individuals, possibly in collusion with the police, extort money from migrants through unlawful means. The situation has left Afghan refugees feeling unprotected and vulnerable, with no recourse for justice or support.