What Support Do Afghan Returnees Seek From the Taliban As Winter Approaches?
Synopsis
As winter looms, Afghan returnees urge the Taliban for urgent assistance in shelters and jobs. The plight of these refugees, many returning from years abroad, highlights a crucial need for support in rebuilding their lives. Can the Taliban respond to their calls for help?
Key Takeaways
Urgent need for shelter and jobs among returning Afghan refugees.
Families face health risks as winter approaches.
Increased forced deportations from neighboring countries.
Taliban's commitment to assist refugees remains to be fully realized.
International humanitarian organizations must continue their support efforts.
Kabul, Dec 15 (NationPress) Recently returned refugees to Afghanistan, currently living in designated camps, are calling on the Taliban to offer them shelter, job opportunities, and essential supplies as the winter season nears.
"We implore the Islamic Emirate to consider our plight. We are unwell and cannot work in this cold. We urgently need assistance," reported Tolo News, quoting Afghan returnee Aynuddin.
Khan Mohammad and Mohammad Awaz, who have come back to Afghanistan from Pakistan after 40 years, expressed optimism that the Taliban will help them survive the winter, stating, "Once we are supported, we will strive to rebuild our lives."
Awaz added, "With ten children, I am anxious they may fall ill this winter. We appeal to the Islamic Emirate for necessary facilities."
Experts have noted that both the government and humanitarian organizations must continue to support Afghan refugees who have recently returned.
This plea from returnees and analysts arises as Afghan refugees have faced forced deportations from neighboring countries in recent years. The Taliban has consistently assured that they would aid Afghan refugees while urging host nations to cease these forced deportations.
On Sunday, a Taliban official revealed that over 4,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly sent back from Pakistan and Iran in a single day.
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat shared a report via X, stating that on Saturday, 913 families, totaling 4,991 individuals, returned to Afghanistan, as reported by Pajhwok Afghan News.
The report indicated that these returnees entered Afghanistan through various crossings, including Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, Torkham in Nangarhar, Islam Qala in Herat, and Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz.
Fitrat further noted that 933 families (5,068 individuals) were transported to their homes, while 754 families received humanitarian aid. Telecommunication companies provided 771 SIM cards to returning Afghan refugees.
Additionally, Fitrat reported that 10,043 Afghan refugees were deported from Iran and Pakistan on Thursday.
Point of View
I emphasize the urgency of addressing the needs of Afghan returnees. The Taliban's response to these calls for support will not only impact the lives of many families but also reflect the broader humanitarian efforts in the region. It is crucial that we continue to monitor this situation closely.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of assistance are Afghan returnees asking for?
They are requesting shelter, job opportunities, and essential supplies as winter approaches, emphasizing the urgent need for support.
What has been the situation for Afghan refugees recently?
Many Afghan refugees have faced forced deportations from neighboring countries, intensifying the need for humanitarian aid upon their return.
How many refugees have returned to Afghanistan recently?
In recent reports, over 4,991 individuals returned in a single day, with thousands more being deported from Pakistan and Iran.
What are the Taliban's promises regarding refugee support?
The Taliban has promised to assist returning Afghan refugees and has urged neighboring nations to halt forced deportations.
Why is the call for assistance critical right now?
With winter approaching, the health and safety of returning families are at risk, making immediate support essential for their survival.
