The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation of Afghanistan has announced that 470 Afghan migrants, including freed prisoners from Pakistani jails, have returned to the country. These migrants entered the country through the Torkham border, according to the Ministry on Tuesday.
Among the returning migrants, 85 were prisoners released from Pakistani custody and returned to Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak border. Additionally, the Ministry reported the return of 550 Afghan migrants from Pakistan earlier.
The detention and expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan have increased recently.
Earlier, the Ministry of Migrants and Repatriates of the country had reported the return of 650 Afghan migrants through the Spin Boldak border in Kandahar province.
In response to the detention of over 200 Afghan refugees in Islamabad, the Pashtun Protection Movement has sent a letter to the United Nations, condemning Pakistan’s actions as “unethical” and “unprincipled,” emphasizing that the movement will not remain silent in the face of the mistreatment of Afghan migrants in Pakistan.
It is important to highlight that Pakistani authorities have consistently cited the absence of legal residency documents as the primary reason for detaining Afghan migrants.
However, it is essential to note that Afghan refugees have consistently denied that the lack of legal residency documents is the sole reason for their detention in Pakistan. According to numerous reports and statements from Afghan refugees and advocacy groups, even documented Afghan refugees have faced detention by Pakistani authorities. These detentions often lead to many challenges, including allegations of harassment and mistreatment by Pakistani officials.
Such claims raise significant human rights concerns and underscore the importance of addressing not only the issue of legal documentation but also the treatment and rights of Afghan refugees within Pakistan’s borders.
