Did Over 4,500 Afghan Refugees Get Forcibly Repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a Single Day?
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, over 4,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran within just one day. This development raises urgent concerns about the treatment of returnees and the humanitarian crisis they face upon their return. What implications does this have for Afghanistan and its refugees?
Key Takeaways
Over 4,500 Afghan refugees repatriated in one day.
Returnees face significant challenges upon arrival.
Humanitarian aid provided to some families.
Calls for assistance from the Taliban for the returnees.
Urgent need for shelter and job opportunities.
Kabul, Dec 14 (NationPress) More than 4,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly sent back from Pakistan and Iran in just one day, as reported by a Taliban official on Sunday, according to local media.
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat shared a report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues on X, indicating that 913 families, totaling 4,991 individuals, returned to Afghanistan on Saturday, according to Pajhwok Afghan News.
The report noted that the returnees entered Afghanistan through several points, including Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, Torkham crossing in Nangarhar, Islam Qala crossing in Herat, and Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz.
Fitrat further mentioned that 933 families (comprising 5,068 people) who returned were relocated to their home areas, while 754 families received humanitarian assistance. Additionally, telecom companies provided 771 SIM cards to the returning Afghan refugees.
The spokesman also reported that 10,043 Afghan refugees were deported from Iran and Pakistan on Thursday.
As the deportation of Afghan refugees continues from Iran and Pakistan, many returnees residing in a migrant camp in Kabul have voiced their concerns about the mistreatment by Pakistani police, stating that they left behind all their belongings in that country, as reported by Afghanistan's Tolo News. Afghan returnees are urgently requesting shelter, land, economic support, and job opportunities.
Jamaluddin, a deportee from Pakistan, told Tolo News: "We were forcibly expelled; some of our belongings remained there. Here, we have neither money nor shelter. The problems are overwhelming; it’s cold, and winter has arrived."
Another returnee, Gulzar, expressed: "We were expelled. That country was foreign. Now we’ve returned to our homeland, and I call on the Islamic Emirate to support us."
Multiple deported Afghan refugees have lamented the loss of their properties and belongings in Pakistan, urging the Taliban to provide shelter, emergency assistance, and job prospects.
Jan Mohammad, returning from Iran, stated: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must help these people; they have no place to live. I am heading to Jawzjan province and have nowhere to stay."
Point of View
It is essential to approach this situation with empathy and responsibility. The forced repatriation of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries highlights a significant humanitarian crisis. The Taliban must address the urgent needs of these individuals upon their return, ensuring safety, shelter, and support to aid their reintegration into society.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Afghan refugees were repatriated?
Over 4,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day.
What challenges are the returnees facing?
Many returnees are facing a lack of shelter, financial resources, and basic necessities, especially with winter approaching.
What assistance is being provided to the returnees?
Some returnees received humanitarian assistance, including SIM cards from telecommunications companies.
What are the sentiments of the returnees?
Returnees have expressed frustration and concern over their treatment in Pakistan and the loss of their belongings.
What is the Taliban's response to the situation?
The Taliban has acknowledged the repatriation and highlighted the need for support for the returnees.
