Afghan refugees were forced to return home from Iran and Pakistan in a mass move announced by a Taliban spokesperson on Monday. According to Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, more than 12,000 people crossed back into Afghanistan on Sunday, with 12,666 people from 2,194 families resettling in their own towns.
“They crossed back through several border points—Pul‑i‑Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, Islam Qala in Herat and the Torkham crossing in Nangarhar,” Fitrat said on X. The Taliban says 1,609 families, or 10,533 people, went straight to their home areas, while 1,966 families received humanitarian aid on arrival. Telecommunication firms handed out 1,665 SIM cards to help the returnees reconnect with family and access services.
A day earlier, 12,455 Afghan refugees had already returned after being deported from Iran and Pakistan, bringing the total number of who left the transit countries this week to well over 12,000.
The repatriation comes amid growing worries in Afghan communities about a crackdown by Pakistani authorities. In October, refugees speaking out feared that the Pakistani police were cracking down on anyone who helped them, posting warnings in mosques that assisting refugees by offering houses or shops made a person a criminal under the law.
“At least 15 days ago, Afghan refugees, including children, women and the elderly, have been stuck in Pakistani detention centers in harsh conditions,” said Atiqullah Mansoor, an Afghan refugee quoted by TOLO News. Some refugees claimed the Pakistani government had been demolishing their shelters as it intensified arrests and forced deportations.
“We are just asking the Pakistani government to stop tearing down the homes of Afghan refugees and let us stay at least through the winter,” another refugee wrote. “Winter is already here, many of our homes have been demolished, and the government warns locals not to rent to us or it will have legal consequences.”
The Taliban’s report followed a wave of forced repatriation that has seen Afghan families return to places like Nimroz, Kandahar, Helmand, Herat, and Nangarhar with limited support. Humanitarian agencies are monitoring the situation as refugees face uncertain conditions at home and in transit.
Key points for those following the story:
- More than 12,000 Afghan refugees repatriated from Iran and Pakistan.
- Crossings used: Pul‑i‑Abresham, Spin Boldak, Bahramcha, Islam Qala, Torkham.
- Humanitarian help: 1,966 families received assistance, 1665 SIM cards distributed.
- Challenges: Pakistani crackdown, detentions, home demolitions, and winter hardships.
The situation remains fluid as Afghanistan’s new government, the Taliban, continues to manage the return of thousands while international agencies push for better humanitarian protection.
Source: ianslive
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