KABUL / PESHAWAR – The interim government in Afghanistan has appealed to the United Nations and global humanitarian bodies to support the dignified return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.
This request came after a key meeting chaired by Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund at the Presidential Palace in Kabul. Officials gathered to review the ongoing deportation of Afghan refugees, stressing the need for respect and dignity in the process.
During the session, Afghan leaders reminded Pakistan of its Islamic values and neighbourly ties. They highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. The participants said any harsh measures would hurt both sides.
The Afghan cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to preserving religious and cultural bonds with Pakistan. It also emphasized that mutual respect is necessary for regional stability.
The Afghan refugee commission was instructed to use every available resource to help those returning home. Authorities vowed to provide shelter, facilities, and basic services for the repatriated Afghan refugees.
Meanwhile, the return of undocumented immigrants and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders from Pakistan continues. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs Department confirmed that 3,042 undocumented foreigners were deported via the Torkham crossing on April 7. Alongside them, 2,355 ACC holders also went back.
Since April 1, at least 5,568 ACC holders have returned from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In total, 488,187 undocumented individuals have been repatriated from the province since September 2023.
The Home Department further stated that since the start of April, 4,227 people were sent back from Punjab. Islamabad sent 160, while Gilgit-Baltistan deported one ACC holder. Cumulatively, KP has repatriated 12,982, Islamabad 1,573, Sindh 44, Azad Kashmir 38, and Punjab 5,435 Afghan refugees.
On Tuesday, 55 Afghan refugees from Sialkot were also scheduled to cross into Afghanistan through the Torkham route.
Immigration officials in Khyber District noted that 3,669 foreigners had already been deported through Torkham as of Monday. Meanwhile, 2,242 individuals voluntarily reported to the Landi Kotal camp. Another 1,427 undocumented people arrested from urban centres were also shifted to the Torkham border for deportation.
In Karachi, police launched a crackdown against illegal Afghan nationals living on Abul Hassan Isphani Road. Four individuals were detained and taken to the Sachal police station. The operation continued late into the night.
The repatriation of Afghan refugees remains one of the most pressing humanitarian and diplomatic challenges between the two countries.
