Why Were Over 5,400 Afghan Refugees Deported from Iran and Pakistan in One Day?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant repatriation event, over 5,400 Afghan migrants returned from Iran and Pakistan in just one day. This mass deportation raises urgent humanitarian concerns as many face dire conditions upon their return. The Taliban has acknowledged the situation, but questions remain about the government's support for these individuals struggling with basic needs.
Key Takeaways
- 5,400+ Afghan migrants returned in a single day.
- Challenges include lack of shelter and winter assistance.
- Telecom companies provided SIM cards to returnees.
- Humanitarian aid is reported as insufficient.
- Government response needed for basic needs.
Kabul, Dec 21 (NationPress) More than 5,400 Afghan migrants were sent back to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan within a single day, as reported by a Taliban official on Sunday.
In a report shared via X by the High Commission for Migrants' Issues, Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat revealed that 981 families, totaling 5,412 individuals, returned from Iran and Pakistan on Saturday, as highlighted by Pajhwok Afghan News.
Fitrat detailed that the Afghan migrants entered Afghanistan through various crossings, including Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, Islam Qala in Herat, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, and Torkham in Nangarhar.
He noted that 1,283 Afghan refugee families, encompassing 5,992 individuals, were relocated to their home areas, while 894 families received humanitarian aid.
Furthermore, telecommunication companies provided 861 SIM cards to the returning Afghan migrants.
On the previous day, 5,028 Afghan migrants were forcibly returned from both Iran and Pakistan.
Last month, numerous Afghan migrants who had just returned from Pakistan expressed that they are facing daunting challenges as winter approaches. They voiced concerns regarding inadequate shelter, the urgent need for winter aid, and difficulties in obtaining electronic ID cards (tazkira), as reported by local media.
One returnee, Abdul Baqi, mentioned, "Our primary issue is the absence of shelter. Once we arrive back in the country, we are uncertain of where to go. We implore the Islamic Emirate to take action on our behalf."
Others reported that the aid available is insufficient and that they continue to struggle to fulfill their basic needs, according to the Afghan media outlet Tolo News.
Another returnee, Abdul Bari, stated, "It is well known that many people are homeless, spending their days on the streets and along the roads." Abdul Malik, another returnee, highlighted that they are instructed to apply for electronic ID cards upon reaching their provinces and urged the authorities to expedite this process.
Additionally, returnee Abdul Qahar called on the Taliban government to provide essential resources, such as tents and shelter.
Point of View
The plight of the returning Afghan migrants cannot be overstated. As the nation grapples with the complexities of mass repatriation, it is crucial that the government prioritizes humanitarian assistance and provides adequate resources to these vulnerable families. The situation demands an immediate and coordinated response to ensure the welfare of our citizens.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Afghan refugees were deported in one day?
Over 5,400 Afghan migrants were repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a single day.
What challenges are Afghan returnees facing?
Many returnees are struggling with inadequate shelter, lack of winter assistance, and difficulties in obtaining electronic ID cards.
What support is being provided to returnees?
Some returnees have received humanitarian assistance, including SIM cards, but many report that the aid is insufficient.
What regions are involved in this repatriation?
Afghan migrants returned through various crossings, including Spin Boldak in Kandahar and Torkham in Nangarhar.
Who reported the repatriation figures?
The figures were reported by Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat based on a High Commission for Migrants' Issues report.
