Why Were Over 5500 Afghan Refugees Forcibly Deported from Iran and Pakistan?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, more than 5,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in a single day. This article delves into the harrowing experiences of the returnees and the urgent needs they face upon their return.
Key Takeaways
- Over 5,500 Afghan refugees were deported in one day.
- Returnees faced significant challenges, including lack of shelter.
- Telecommunications support was provided to help refugees communicate.
- The Taliban is urged to assist returnees with basic needs.
- Many deportees left personal belongings behind in Pakistan.
Kabul, Dec 18 (NationPress) Over 5,500 Afghan refugees faced forced repatriation from Pakistan and Iran in just one day on Wednesday, according to a senior official from the Taliban who spoke on Thursday.
In a report shared on X by the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues, Taliban Deputy Spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat revealed that 863 families, totaling 5,591 individuals, made their way back to Afghanistan on Wednesday, as reported by Pajhwok Afghan News.
These returning Afghan citizens passed through several crossings, including Islam Qala in Herat, Bahramcha in Helmand, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Torkham in Nangarhar, and Spin Boldak in Kandahar. He noted that 1,311 families, amounting to 7,165 people, were relocated to their homes, and 849 families received humanitarian aid.
Additionally, telecommunications companies provided 937 SIM cards to the recently returned refugees.
Fitrat mentioned that on Tuesday alone, 3,005 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from both Iran and Pakistan.
As the trend of Afghan refugee deportations persists, many returnees residing in a migrant camp in Kabul have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the mistreatment they endured at the hands of the Pakistani police, highlighting that they were forced to leave all their possessions behind in that country, as reported by Afghanistan's Tolo News.
Recently, Afghan returnees have urgently called for housing, land, financial aid, and job opportunities.
In a statement to Tolo News, a returnee named Jamaluddin said: "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 deportee, Gulzar, shared: "We were expelled. That country was foreign. Now we’ve returned to our homeland, and I call on the Islamic Emirate to support us."
Numerous deported Afghan refugees have lamented the loss of all their property in Pakistan and have urged the Taliban to provide shelter, emergency assistance, and job opportunities.
Jan Mohammad, a returnee from Iran, emphasized: "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan must help these people; they have no place to live. I myself am heading to Jawzjan province and have nowhere to stay."
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the plight of Afghan refugees who are facing immense hardships. The situation demands immediate attention and support from both the national government and international organizations. We must stand in solidarity with those who have been forcibly displaced.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Afghan refugees were forcibly deported?
More than 5,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day.
What crossings did the returnees use?
The returnees traveled through various crossings, including Islam Qala, Bahramcha, Pul-i-Abresham, Torkham, and Spin Boldak.
What assistance was provided to the returnees?
Refugees received humanitarian assistance, and telecommunications companies provided 937 SIM cards to help them communicate.
What issues are Afghan returnees facing?
Many returnees are struggling with a lack of shelter, financial resources, and job opportunities upon their return.
What did returnees say about their deportation experience?
Returnees reported being forcibly expelled and leaving their belongings behind, facing cold weather and inadequate living conditions.
