Afghanistan Peace CampaignAccording to the report, two million Afghans are expected to return from Iran and more than 1.6 million others from Pakistan this year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 130,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan and Iran between April 1 and 13.
According to the report, two million Afghans are expected to return from Iran and more than 1.6 million others from Pakistan this year.
The WHO stated: “These individuals have returned either forcibly or voluntarily, with 60% coming from Pakistan and 40% from Iran.”
Alireza Karimi, a migrant rights activist, said: “The Islamic Emirate must be prepared to accept, resettle, and socially integrate the returning citizens. Host countries also have a responsibility to treat migrants humanely and appropriately under international laws.”
Meanwhile, Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR, discussed the situation of Afghan migrants in Pakistan with Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
The Pakistani special representative wrote on X about the discussions during the meeting that: “International community resettled only 86,000 of Afghan nationals out of 800,000 who entered Pakistan after August 2021.”
Reza Sakhi, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, stated: “Migrant problems are numerous. Since March 31, the deadline, the issues have worsened—especially for those without documentation or expired visas. They have reapplied but received no assistance.”
Malik Awal Shinwari, another Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: “Migrants should be given a reasonable timeframe to make serious decisions about their future and be provided the opportunity to return voluntarily.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Economy has called on international aid agencies for stronger cooperation in addressing the returnees’ challenges. The acting minister emphasized that constructing housing complexes, water supply networks, schools, religious schools, mosques, and health centers are urgent needs of the returnees.
Abdul Rahman Habib, the ministry’s spokesperson, said: “To facilitate the returnees, actions have been taken by UN agencies, local and international organizations, charities, industrial and trade unions, and various professional associations to gather aid and coordinate meetings. So far, many industrialists, traders, various unions, and charities are cooperating with the coordination committee.”
Previously, during a visit by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Kabul, the situation of Afghan migrants was one of the key topics discussed with Islamic Emirate officials.