Over six thousand Afghan refugees were deported in one day, worsening humanitarian concerns as winter approaches in Afghanistan.
Kabul
More than 6,000 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day, a Taliban official confirmed on Sunday, according to local media reports.
Sharing details from the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues on X, Taliban Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said that 1,188 families — a total of 6,553 individuals — returned to Afghanistan. The deported refugees entered through multiple border points including Torkham in Nangarhar, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand and the Islam Qala crossing in Herat, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.
Fitrat added that 1,260 families, comprising 8,102 people, were transferred to their home provinces, while 780 families received humanitarian aid upon arrival. Telecommunication companies also distributed 1,294 SIM cards to refugees deported from Pakistan and Iran to help them stay connected with relatives.
On Friday alone, nearly 1,332 Afghan nationals were forcibly sent back from the two neighbouring countries, highlighting a sharp rise in repatriations.
However, many newly returned migrants say they are struggling with dire conditions as winter nears. Several families told local media earlier this week that they lack basic necessities, including shelter, warm clothing and food supplies. They also raised concerns over challenges in obtaining electronic ID cards (tazkira), which are essential for accessing government services and aid.
Our main problem is that we have no shelter. When we return to the country, we don’t know where to go. We ask the Islamic Emirate to address our situation, said Abdul Baqi, a recent returnee from Pakistan.
Others echoed similar distress. Abdul Bari said, Everyone knows most people are homeless, spending their days in the streets and along the roads. Another returnee, Abdul Malik, urged authorities to expedite the issuance of electronic ID cards to ease their reintegration.
