Kabul, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A total of 460 Afghan families, comprising 2,292 people, returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in a single day, according to Taliban authorities, as the country continues to receive thousands of returning nationals amid ongoing deportation drives in neighbouring countries.
Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, citing a daily operational report of the High Commission for Addressing Returnees’ Issues, said that 372 families, comprising 1,947 people, entered Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing.
Another 17 families, consisting of 85 people, returned through the Spin Boldak crossing, while 66 families with 239 members entered the country through the Silk Bridge crossing in Nimroz province.
Additionally, five families comprising 21 individuals crossed into Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border point.
According to the report, 398 families, totalling 2,213 individuals, were subsequently relocated to different provinces across Afghanistan. Authorities also said financial assistance was provided to 466 families, while 395 SIM cards were distributed to returnees as part of the rehabilitation process.
The large-scale return comes amid continuing international concern over the treatment of Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries.
On June 20, Amnesty International called on the international community to halt what it described as the unlawful expulsion of Afghan refugees and urged governments to uphold international human rights obligations.
The rights organisation said Afghan refugees have faced arbitrary arrests, family separations and other hardships in host countries, while many encounter serious human rights challenges after returning to Afghanistan.
“Millions of Afghan refugees are being expelled across the globe, and that number keeps climbing day by day,” Amnesty International said in a statement posted on X, urging governments to ensure that individuals in need of international protection are safeguarded in accordance with international human rights law.
International agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have repeatedly stressed that the return of Afghan refugees should be voluntary, safe and dignified.
The agencies have also appealed for increased international assistance to support returning Afghans as the country continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis.
FOLLOW NOW
