In recent weeks, a significant wave of Afghan migrant returns has been underway from neighboring and regional countries, particularly Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, in less than one month, more than 103,000 Afghans have returned to the country from Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey.
Abdulmutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the ministry, stated: “Among them, over 82,000 returned from Pakistan, more than 20,000 from Iran, and over 700 from Turkey. Additionally, more than 2,000 individuals who had been imprisoned in Pakistan were released and returned via the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings.”
At the same time, Pakistani media, citing the country’s Ministry of Interior, reported that in the first three weeks of April alone, more than 100,000 Afghan migrants had left Pakistan.
Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, a refugee rights expert, told TOLOnews: “The current government of Pakistan has a social responsibility towards Afghan migrants. Their residency challenges must be addressed in cooperation with the United Nations, and a mechanism should be developed to delay deportations.”
Some of the deported migrants from Pakistan have stated that they urgently need access to education, shelter, and employment opportunities. They are calling on the government and humanitarian organizations to support returnees.
Abdul Ghafoor, a deported migrant“Afghan migrants returning from Pakistan face educational and economic challenges. They lack access to schooling and are struggling with financial hardship. Therefore, we urge the Islamic Emirate to address issues in education, economy, and housing.”
The Pakistani government had previously announced its plan to expel around three million Afghan migrants from across the country.