Amid the expulsion of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries, the Commission for Addressing Refugees’ Issues has announced that more than 238,700 people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in the past month.
Ahmadullah Wasiq, spokesman for the commission, said that during this period, 12,600 families were transported from the Torkham and Islam Qala crossings to Kabul and then onward to their provinces.
Ahmadullah Wasiq stated: “The expulsion of Afghans from neighboring countries is still ongoing, and in the past month more than 238,700 people have returned from Iran and Pakistan. During this time, nearly 12,600 families were transferred first to Kabul and then to their respective areas.”
Meanwhile, a number of returnees are calling on the government to provide them with jobs, shelter, and access to education.
Ismail, 38, who spent most of his life in Pakistan, referred to the mistreatment by Pakistani police and shared his hardships upon return and bitter memories of refugee life: “In the past, we had a good life in Pakistan, but recently the Pakistani government oppressed refugees a lot.”
The returnees are demanding shelter, job opportunities, children’s education, and compensation for lost assets as their immediate needs from the Islamic Emirate.
Muhibullah, a deportee from Pakistan, said: “We want the Islamic Emirate to provide us with more assistance because we are refugees and spent our entire lives in Pakistan. Now, here we have nothing.”
Another deportee, Abdul Latif, said: “We want the Islamic Emirate to provide us with jobs and education for our children.”
Some truck drivers stated that they travel to several provinces every week to transport the belongings of deported refugees back to their homes.
Truck driver Noor Mohammad said: “Whether it’s Baghlan, Kunduz, or any other province, we are here to serve them.”
Officials of the Commission for Addressing Refugees’ Issues also assured that further efforts are being made to provide additional services to the deported refugees in various areas.
