Kabul
More than 12,000 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan in a single day, Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat announced on Sunday. According to a statement shared on X, 2,098 families — totaling 12,455 individuals — were sent back to Afghanistan through multiple border crossings, including Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, Torkham in Nangarhar, Islam Qala in Herat, and Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.
Fitrat stated that some of the deportees were transported to their home provinces, while 2,051 received humanitarian aid. Additionally, telecommunication companies distributed 1,652 SIM cards to refugees returning from Iran and Pakistan to help them reconnect with families and local authorities.
The latest deportations come amid mounting fears and worsening conditions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. In October, several refugees expressed alarm over police raids, arrests, and forced evictions. Reports indicate that Pakistani authorities have issued warnings in mosques, declaring that anyone providing accommodation or assistance to undocumented Afghans would face criminal charges.
Many deported Afghans, including women, children, and the elderly, have reportedly been detained in overcrowded facilities for over two weeks under harsh conditions. Refugees have appealed to the Pakistani government to halt demolitions of their shelters and delay deportations until winter ends, citing the extreme cold and lack of housing.
Migrant rights activist Nazar Nazari urged diplomatic engagement between Kabul and Islamabad to prevent further forced deportations. He emphasized the need for coordination with international organizations to provide essential relief, including shelter, food, and medical aid. “Humane and well-managed repatriation,” Nazari said, “can only be achieved through cooperation and sustained support for the returning refugees.”
